French architect Paul Andreu was granted the title of "honorary citizen" Tuesday by the government of Guangzhou, capital of the southern province of Guangdong, for his design of the city's new stadium, which was completed recently.

Andreu is a world famous architect, who designed airports in Nice, Jakarta and Cairo. In China, he designed the Shanghai Pudong Airport and the Sanya Airport in the southern island province of Hainan, and won the bid for the Grand Theater of China, a symbolic building for Beijing and the country as well.

Andreu joined the bidding in 1997 for a group of key designs in Guangzhou, including a square and an airport. His work on the Guangzhou Stadium has become one of most prominent symbols of the city.

At the title-granting ceremony, Vice-Mayor Li Zhuobin thanked Andreu for his efforts and contributions, and asked for more help and suggestions form foreign experts in the city's municipal construction.

Andreu attributed his success to sound coordination between all sides concerned and the government's support.

(People’s Daily 07/11/2001)