OREANDA-NEWS. January 14, 2015. The 19th China Metallurgical Construction Group (19MCC Group) announced that a grand Hand-over Ceremony for Kabul University was convened at the Report Hall of the newly-built Chinese Teaching Building in Kabul University of Afghanistan.

This project is under aid of China. The ceremony was jointly held by the Ministry of Higher Education of Afghanistan and Chinese Embassy in Afghanistan. Over 100 attendees were present at this event, including: the Acting Minister Muhammad Osman Babori of Higher Education, officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President of Kabul University and the other relevant noted public figures of Afghanistan; Chinese Ambassador Deng Xijun in Afghanistan; CCTV (China Central Television), Xinhua News Agency and major news agencies of Afghanistan; and the representatives of teachers and students from Confucius Institute of Kabul University.

At the ceremony, President Habibullah Habib of Kabul University made a welcoming address. On behalf of the government and the people of Afghanistan, the Acting Minister Muhammad Osman Babori of Higher Education expressed gratitude to the disinterested assistance extended by Chinese government and people, as well as the efforts made by the Chinese contractors for the project execution. Ambassador Deng Xijun mentioned in his speech that, Afghanistan and China are linked by the same mountains and rivers, and are closely related and inter-depended like lips and teeth. He expected both parties to further intensify endeavor in communication, act in compliance with the agreements signed by leaders of both countries, and promote the various activities to be hosted for the Sino-Afghanistan Friendship Year in 2015 with a pragmatic attitude. Afterwards, representatives of both parties cut the ribbon at the ceremony for the handover of the project facilities. Then the representatives paid visit to the Chinese Teaching Building and the guesthouse.

As one of the turn-key projects under aids of China, as well as one of the key projects aided by Chinese Government for the post-war reconstruction of Afghanistan, Kabul University Project is also regarded as a bridge for popularization of Chinese culture. The project consists of two parts, namely the Chinese Teaching Building and the guesthouse. The Chinese Teaching Building is designed with three storeys above the ground, with a total floorage area of 2,053.5 square meters, which is capable for 200 students to have classes at the same time. The guesthouse is designed with four storeys above the ground and one storey under the ground in partial section , with a total floorage area of 4,588 square meters, offering 48 dormitories and the supportive facilities for the foreign teachers working in Kabul University. This project was contracted by 19MCC Group, which was commenced on October 19, 2012, and passed through acceptance inspection on October 28, 2014.