The Sudanese government and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) signed Monday a contract for the construction of Khartoum's new airport at a cost of 700 million U.S. dollars with an implementation period of about 40 months.

Director of Sudan Airports Holding Company Mohamed Abdul-Aziz and Director of CHEC signed the contract in the presence of the Sudanese finance minister and the Chinese ambassador in Khartoum.

"Khartoum's new international airport is a dream that all Sudanese people are looking forward to. This project is an addition to Sudan and Africa as it serves to link the African countries with the Middle East and also helps in the recovery of economy and trade in Sudan", said Sudan's Finance Minister Ali Mahmoud when addressing the signing ceremony on Monday.

"The cost of this project, to be implemented by the Chinese CHEC, amounts to 700 million dollars with a loan from the Export- Import Bank of China," the minister said, stressing the importance of the standing cooperation between Sudan and China in the way that "achieves the common interests of the two peoples."

The Chinese Ambassador in Khartoum Luo Xiaoguang said "We are glad to celebrate this occasion and this strategic project, which comes as part of developing the infrastructure of the Republic of Sudan within the context of the long-time relations between the two countries."

Khartoum's new airport lies about 40 km from the center of the capital. The airport will have two runways, with a total area of 79 square kilometers and an internal operational area of 20 square km.

The new project also includes an international hotel with 300 double rooms, an advanced conference center, businessmen center and a mall of 8,000 square meters.