DJIBOUTI- Djibouti and China signed on Wednesday (January 15th) an economic and trade co-operation deal under which the Chinese government will invest up to $16.5 million (3 billion francs) in development projects in Djibouti, particularly prioritising education and health.

The new co-operation deal will enable Djibouti to implement plans to build the Tadjourah Regional Hospital, a national archive building, a primary school, ten new boreholes, and to provide computers and tablets to primary school pupils and pre-school children.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahamoud Ali Youssouf said he was pleased with the signing of the deal with Chinese Ambassador to Djibouti Fu Huaqiang, which came one week after the commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

"For 35 years, our two countries have had a fruitful, friendly and brotherly relationship which has already led to numerous achievements in sectors as diverse as education, health, water, energy, agriculture, transport and port infrastructures, to name but a few," Youssouf said.