Chinese Ambassador Mr. Zhou Yuxiao attended the grand opening ceremony of the SKD Stadium held by the Liberian Government on November 5, 2007. President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Minister of Youth and Sports Ms. Tarpeh, diplomatic envoys, UN officials in Liberia, representatives from the Olympic Committee of Liberia and its twenty sports associations and hundreds of citizens of Monrovia attended the ceremony.

In his keynote speech at the ceremony, Ambassador Zhou expressed pleasure and pride for the completion of the renovation of SKD Stadium which was constructed in the 1980's and renovated recently by the Chinese government and said he was even happier to see Liberian people enjoying peace and 'fight' in the stadium rather than in the battlefield. Ambassador Zhou was appreciative for ECOWAS, AU and UN for their contribution in helping Liberia regain peace. Were it not for their efforts, Ambassador Zhou acknowledged, China would not have been able to do much in Liberia. The Ambassador held that the stadium is not just a China-aided project but a monument of peace.

Ambassador Zhou expressed admiration for the efforts and commitment of Liberian government and people in national reconstruction and was happy for the steady development in all fields. The Ambassador reaffirmed further aid from Chinese government to Liberia within its capability and expected the cooperation for mutual benefit to be further enhanced. Ambassador Zhou hoped that the Olympic Committee of Liberia would send a sports team to participate in the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 and wished it good luck.

In her speech, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf spoke highly of the contribution the Chinese government has made in the national peace and reconstruction of Liberia and the friendly cooperative partnership between China and Liberia and pledged to continue to work for the enhancement of the relationship. The President pointed out that the opening of the stadium shows the importance of international cooperation and it will play an important role in national reconciliation and unity. The stadium, Madam President said, will help the people make progress and pursue good national character through sports.

Minister of Youth and Sports Ms. Tarpeh and Mr. Brown, Chairman of the Olympic Committee of Liberia were determined to treasure China's goodwill to Liberia and pledged to run and use the stadium well in order that it will play a long term role in promoting the development of Liberian sports course for the benefit of the people.