Cape Verde's acting President Aristides Lima and Prime Minister Jose Maria Neves respectively met with visiting Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing on Wednesday, and the two sides vowed to strengthen cooperation in various fields.

 

During the meeting, Lima, who is also the speaker in parliament, said his country cherished its traditional friendship with China, and expressed gratitude for the longtime, selfless support and help that it had given toward Cape Verde's independence and development.

 

Cape Verde, whose economy largely relies on agriculture, fishing and tourism, hopes to promote greater cooperation with China in trade and tourism, openly welcoming Chinese companies' investments, Lima said.

 

He also reaffirmed that the government of Cape Verde will continue to abide by the one-China policy, and support China's reunification.

 

Li, who was on the first leg of a six-nation African tour, said that the links between China and Cape Verde had been steadily strengthening since diplomatic relations were established 30 years ago.

 

The two countries should further their cooperation over a wide front, including trade, culture, education, health, water conservation, infrastructure, personnel training, he added.

 

Li, who will also visit Senegal, Mali, Liberia, Nigeria and Libya, said China was willing to make joint efforts with all African countries in building a new China-Africa strategic partnership, which emphasizes equality and mutual trust in political affairs, win-win outcomes in economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.

 

Li arrived in this island country on Wednesday for an official visit, during which he also held talks with Cape Verde's Foreign Minister Victor Borges. The two ministers signed an agreement on economic and technological cooperation.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 12, 2006)