Teachers and Students from Confucius Institute at University of Liberia Receive Praise from Liberian President for Their Performances at the Topping-out Ceremony of China-Aided Projects in Liberia

On December 18th, local time, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia, highly praised the wonderful performances presented by teachers and students from the Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia at the Topping-out Ceremony of the Liberia Roberts International Airport Upgrade and Expansion Project of and the Ministerial Complex Project.

Guests attending the ceremony included the president himself, Joseph N. Boakai, Vice President of Liberia and Zhang Yue, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia. Several hundreds of other participants, including teachers and students from the Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia, representatives of Chinese enterprises as well as local people, were also present at the event.

In his speech, President Sirleaf expressed that the two projects will leave an indelible mark on the history of Liberia. Apart from enabling Liberian people to see the hope of development and truly appreciate the kindness and friendship of Chinese people, these two projects show promise for the everlasting friendship between China and Liberia.

Zhang Yue pointed out that with the advanced engineering techniques adopted in these two projects, the main structures have been efficiently completed with quality after eliminating the impact of the rainy season, reflecting the capability of China’s construction projects and Chinese characteristics and to which he extended heartfelt appreciation and gratitude.

Teachers and students from Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia presented “African Drum” dance. The performance of Liberian tambourine and dance with upbeat tempo and unique dress captured the eyes of the audience and received rounds of applause.

Soon after, they gave the African song and dance performance of “Body on taret”, which fully showcased Africa’s appealing culture. Characterized by lively rhythm and swift dance, the performance reflected Liberian people’s passion for life as well as their desires and pursuits for the friendship between China and Liberia, thus winning cheers from Sirleaf and the audience.

Teachers and students from the Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia performing “Body on taret”

After the show, President Sirleaf, accompanied by Zhang Yue, greeted the performers. She showed full recognition and appreciation for their hard work and fantastic shows.

President Sirleaf taking group photos with students and teachers of the Confucius Institute and representatives of the construction companies.

President Sirleaf said to Huang Boqing, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, that the performance presented by the Institute is brilliant and has contributed to the exchanges and development of the friendship between Liberia and China.

Ambassador Zhang fully recognized the active participation and service awareness of the Confucius Institute and indicated that cultural activities held by it can promote the friendly exchanges between the two countries and mutual learning among civilizations in the world.

The Liberia Roberts International Airport Upgrade and Expansion Project and the Ministerial Complex Project are the two largest China-aided projects in Liberia so far. The two projects are funded by the Export-Import Bank of China, and constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. and China Jiangsu Construction Group Corporation.