China rehabilitates Cote d'Ivoire's Culture Palace of Abidjan

A major cultural center in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, which was destroyed in the country's 2010-2011 post- election violence, has been rehabilitated and renovated with financial support from the Chinese government.

The renewed Culture Palace of Abidjan was handed over to Cote d'Ivoire's government over the weekend during a ceremony presided over by Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan and China's ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire, Zhang Guoqing.

The Culture Palace was bestowed to Cote d'Ivoire's government as a gift from China and inaugurated in 1990. Its rehabilitation work began in June 2013 and cost 48 million U.S. dollars.

The palace now presents a new face, with its theater hall of 2, 800 seats, concert hall of 1,500 seats, art room of 600 seats, training room of 300 seats and multi-purpose hall of 700 seats.

Duncan used the opportunity to praise the excellent relationship between Cote d'Ivoire and China, which has seen work on a number projects completed such as a center for research and fight against malaria, a hydro-electric dam, the expansion of the Abidjan port, an Olympic stadium, several academic and health centers and the rehabilitation of public offices.

Ambassador Zhang said the rehabilitation of the Culture Palace not only symbolizes the friendship between the two nations, but also demonstrates the "total end" of the post-election violence and a "renewal of Cote d'Ivoire."

Zhang added that the renewed Cultural Palace had been equipped with modern sound and lighting systems.

The ambassador hailed the close cooperation between China and Cote d'Ivoire in international affairs, and the fruitful relationship in economic, commercial, education, health, agriculture and infrastructure sectors.

He promised Chinese government's support to promote Cote d'Ivoire's social and economic development. Endi