SPLIT, Croatia, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- For Talman Damtare, reuniting with his Chinese colleagues feels like coming home. After collaborating on Croatia's landmark Peljesac Bridge project, he never expected another opportunity to work with them again so soon.
So, when the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) invited him to join the Vucevica road project, he did not hesitate.
The experience of working on the Peljesac Bridge was one of great cooperation, professionalism, and efficiency, Damtare told Xinhua in a recent interview. "I was glad to return to an environment where these values remain at the forefront."
Being part of another important infrastructure project is incredibly rewarding, Damtare, a native of Togo, said. "What I appreciate most is the mutual understanding and respect I share with my Chinese colleagues."
Wednesday marks the first anniversary of the groundbreaking ceremony for CRBC's construction of a 6.85-km road section in Split, Croatia's second-largest city. The 74.6-million-euro (77.5 million U.S. dollars) project will connect the Vucevica junction on the A1 freeway to the DC8 road in Split, featuring a 2.5-km tunnel, and is scheduled for completion within three years.
Damtare's Croatian wife, Ana, also worked on the Peljesac Bridge project. Their love story began while studying in China, where they met and eventually married. Now, as Ana cares for their newborn baby, she remains open to rejoining CRBC "once she is ready," he said.
"I hope the Vucevica project runs smoothly, and I am grateful to contribute once again to Croatia's development," Damtare said. ■
