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Hu's visit to open new chapter in Senegal-China ties

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-11 15:54

TOUBA, Senegal -- Chinese President Hu Jintao's upcoming visit to Senegal will open a new chapter of friendly cooperation between the two countries, Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade said here Tuesday.

During an interview with Xinhua, Wade hailed the partnership between Senegal and China as "very successful," saying it has already become a role model for China-Africa cooperation.

During Hu's visit, the two leaders will exchange views on bilateral cooperation, and regional and international affairs, Wade said during a visit to a reconstruction project undertaken by China Henan International Cooperation Group Co., Ltd. (CHICO) in Touba, a city about 200 km from Dakar, the capital of Senegal.

The two countries are also expected to sign several new cooperation agreements on economy and technology, Wade said.

"The partnership between China and Senegal is now manifested in bilateral cooperation in all fields," he said.

China and Senegal have carried out cooperation in such areas as economy, technology, education, culture, health, sports and infrastructure construction since they resumed diplomatic relations in 2005, Wade noted.

The president said that China has carried out a series of aid projects in Senegal, including the National Grand Theater in Dakar, an electricity transmission and transformation project, renovation of 11 provincial and district-level stadiums, and a government network construction project.

All the China-aid projects get started according to plans and schedules, he said. "The Chinese companies always adhere to (construction) contracts, and they always complete projects without delay."

The Chinese companies have also built many supporting and accessory facilities for their aid projects, added Wade, saying the Senegalese government was deeply satisfied with the project implementation.

Wade also spoke highly of the CHICO-built modernization and reconstruction project in Touba. He said he was deeply satisfied with the project, whose construction quality can be described as "perfect" in terms of its water supply, lighting and drainage systems.

Hu will visit Senegal on February 13-14 as part of his tour of five Asian and African countries.