DAR ES SALAAM, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete on Wednesday spoke highly of China's assistance to his country in various sectors including health and education.

Kikwete made the remarks at the ceremony for laying the foundation stone for the construction of China-aided cardiac surgery treatment and training center at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam.

Speaking in Swahili, the Tanzanian president expressed thanks to the Chinese government for its long-term support and assistance to his country in social and economic development.

He termed China as "Dear Rafiki (friend)," saying a gift from a friend to a person in need is really treasured.

Tanzanian Minister of Health and Social Welfare David Homeli Mwakyusa said the project is another bid by the Tanzanian government to bring better healthcare to its people, which will provide training and research facilities for the Tanzanian medical workers and contribute to enhancing Tanzania's medical service level.

Liu Xinsheng, Chinese ambassador in Tanzania, highlighted the long-term friendly relations between China and Tanzania and the expanding cooperation in health sectors.

The China-aided cardiac surgery treatment and training center is a project included in the eight major measures to promote the China-Africa cooperation announced at the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit in 2006, which is expected to improve the health service for the Tanzanians, Liu said.

The Chinese ambassador also encouraged the Chinese company to build the project with high quality and high efficiency.

With a contract cost of 63.5 million yuan (about 9.33 million U. S. dollars), the project is expected to be completed within 14 months.

Editor: Anne Tang