Zhang Xuehui (2nd R) and Deng Qiaorong (1st R), members of a Chinese medical team, prepare an operation for a hydrocephalic child in Asmara, Eritrea, May 23, 2008. (Xinhua file photo)

Eritrea commends the Chinese medical team for their professional and outstanding services in the country, saying the team also demonstrates the strong bilateral ties and cooperation between Eritrea and China.

ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) --The East African nation of Eritrea commends the ongoing Chinese medical assistance, the Eritrea Ministry of Information (MoI) said on Sunday.

In a press statement, the MoI said it commended the work of a Chinese medical team that just finished its one-year medical mission to Eritrea.

The statement further said the work of the Chinese medical team in Eritrea demonstrates the strong bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.

The Chinese medical team, which include medical doctors, had been providing free medical services in Eritrea for a year, finishing their medical mission on Saturday. The professionals had been providing services in various hospitals in Eritrea.

The team were given a farewell ceremony on Saturday evening in the Eritrean capital, Asmara in the presence of Amina Nurhussein, Eritrean Minister of Health and Yang Zigang, the Chinese Ambassador to Eritrea.

Eritrea is grateful to the professionalism and outstanding services provided by the Chinese medical team and further welcomes the coming of the 13th new Chinese medical team, further said the MoI statement.

According to the Chinese embassy in Eritrea, over 200 Chinese doctors and other health professionals have provided free medical services in Eritrea since 1997.