afrol News, 30 January - The Chinese government has pledged US $11.5 million for support of a variety of projects in Senegal. The newly inked assistance is the latest in a series since November 2008, when China committed $10.2 million in non-reimbursable aid to Senegal.

Senegalese Finance Minister Abdoulaye Diop said the funding would be used to build and refurbish 11 stadiums, a museum, a national theatre in Dakar and a children's hospital in the country.

"The Chinese government will provide the Senegalese government aid totaling 80 million yuan for cooperation projects," Chinese Ambassador Lu Shaye said in a press statement.

Ambassador Lu, said despited the global recession, China would honour aid engagements and cooperation pledges to developing countries, especially African countries.

China doubled aid to Africa in 2006, giving billions of dollars in preferential loans and cancelling debt as it seeks to further extend its influence on the resource-rich continent in a relationship that has often drawn criticism from the West.

On 6 January, the two countries signed another two documents under which China will fund Senegal's national security network and the upgrading of Senbus bus parking place. The agreements show "the dynamic power of our bilateral cooperation," Ambassador Lu said.

China and Senegal re-established diplomatic relations in October 2005 after a 10-year gap caused by Dakar's recognition of Taiwan.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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