Chadian president inaugurates China-built Olympic stadium in capital

YAOUNDE -- Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno on Friday inaugurated a 30,000-seat Olympic stadium in the capital N'Djamena, constructed and donated by China.

Named the Marshal Idriss Deby Itno Olympic Stadium, the facility was hailed by the president at the launch ceremony as a tangible fruit of active cooperation between Chad and China, built on "mutual interest, reciprocal respect, and a shared vision."

China's Ambassador to Chad Wang Xining called the stadium a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries and expressed hope that it would help Chad shine on the international sporting stage.

"We are convinced that Chad will have a promising future. China intends to move forward hand in hand with Chad and strengthen our win-win cooperation with the international community to help Chad realize its dream and together build a brighter future," said the diplomat.

The stadium, the largest of its kind in the country, was built by China's Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group Corporation Ltd. and officially handed over to the Chadian government on May 12.