(January 28, 2012 – ENA) – The 20-story building complex of the new Headquarters of the African Union, built here in the African Capital, Addis Ababa, with 200 million US dollars fully financed by the Chinese government was officially inaugurated in the presence of several leaders of African countries.

The ciomplex was fully equipped with ultra modern internal facilities at a cost of 50 million US dollars fully covered also by the Chinese government.

The building was built on area covering 110,000 metres of land inside the headquarters of the AU, the solar-operating building complex that cost China 150 million dollars,

The new AU’s edifice built by world-class contractor known as the “China State Construction Engineering Corporation” (CSCEC), was inaugurated at a groundbreaking ceremony by Ethiopian Prime Minster Meles Zenawi and Chinese delegation led by CPPCC Chairperson, Jia Qinglin

Leaders of several African countries, including Ethiopian Prime Minsiter, Meles Zenawi and thousands of dignitaries coming around the world and resident diplomatic corps and invited guests attended the historic inaugural of this spectacular building complex.

The key to the building was handed over by Chinese delegation led by Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Chairperson to the Chairperson of the Africa Union Commisiion to, Jean Ping.

In his inaugural speech Prime Minister Meles thanked the Chinese government for its generosity it has shown to the African people by building the modern building complex.

“This building which will now house the headquarters of our continental organization on the ruins of a prison that a present desperation and hopelessness,.” Meles said.

Speaking on his part, Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Chairperson, Jia Qinglin said “today is the milestone in relations between China and Africa for having a new hall.”

The Complex was inaugurated on Saturday, January 28, 2012 one day ahead of the 18th Ordinary Session of the Heads of States and Governments of the African Union to convene in Addis Ababa City on 29th and 30th January 2012.

This year’s summit, which will be opened tomorrow with the theme “Intra-Africa Trade”, will be held the new building complex.

The Building Complex as a Chinese gift for African people has taken full consideration of African culture and Africa’s people opinions to make it widely acceptable by African people.

The building, which can use natural light and draft to be energy-efficient, can accommodate 500 offices, a 2,000-seta Auditorium, a 500-serat conference hall and offices for the AU commission staff.

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Source: Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) 

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