Ambassador Zhang assured President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf that the airport runway rehabilitation will last for roughly 6 months, while the terminal rehabilitation will
take a little over 10 months.

The Chinese diplomat made the commitment at the official signing ceremony of a US$50 million loan agreement between the Liberian Government and Chinese EXIM Bank at the Foreign Ministry in Monrovia on Monday.
According to an Executive Mansion release, the Chinese envoy disclosed that the RIA rehabilitation project came about as a result of a visit President Sirleaf paid to China few months ago where the RIA rehabilitation was high on the agenda during bilateral discussions.

He termed the RIA rehabilitation effort as a miracle for Sino-Liberia Cooperation. Zhang expressed joy over the Liberian Government’s recent statement during China’s National Day celebration, recommitting its support to the “One China Policy” which, he believes, is being upheld satisfactorily.

In response, President Sirleaf welcomed Ambassador Zhang’s commitment of China to doing speedy and quality rehabilitation work on the RIA runway and terminal project.

President Sirleaf said although the initial focus of her government was to develop the rural parts of the country, especially roads, clinics, hospitals and schools, her concentration is now focused on carrying out development in the urban areas, including the modernization of RIA.

She added: “No matter how developed a nation is that impact can only be critically examined from the outlook of the airport as a gateway to the country.”

Recounting the resumption of diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China, President Sirleaf said the relationship has seen 10 years of real development, partnership and improved relations, lauding China for several development projects it has undertaken in the country.

She named the US$60 million Ministerial Complex that is about to take off, the Capitol Building Annex, Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex and Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC), among others, as some of China-Liberia ties.

Following the approval of the Act ratifying the China-Liberia Framework Agreement by President Sirleaf, Finance and Development Planning Minister Boima Kamara signed on behalf of the Government of Liberia, while Ambassador Zhang Yue signed on behalf of the Chinese Government.
LINA PR/PSN/TSS/PTK