Timor-Leste to build Presidential Palace with Chinese fund

The foundation-laying ceremony of the Timor-Leste Presidential Palace funded by the Chinese government was held in Dili Monday.

Chinese ambassador to Timor-Leste Su Jian said that the name of this new presidential palace "Palace of Hope" marks the youngest country embracing challenges and marching towards a bright future.

The building is located west of capital Dili, where there is still a helicopter base of <http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/data/australia.html>Australia-led International Stabilization Force. The project will begin after the Australian forces move out and be completed in 13 months.

China is the first country to establish diplomatic relations with Timor-Leste after its independence in 2002. Since then China has donated thousands of tons of rice and some equipment, provided staff training and other assistance to help the country on a fast development track.

Source: Xinhua