China's new ambassador to Cape Verde says to strengthen bilateral ties

China's new ambassador to Cape Verde Du Xiaocong has expressed his commitment to reinforce cooperation relations with the island nation.

The ambassador was speaking on Thursday when he presented his letter of accreditation to Cape Verde's President Jorge Carlos Fonseca in the capital Praia.

"China will promote the traditional friendship with Cape Verde, intensify friendly exchanges and reinforce the pragmatic cooperation between the two countries," the ambassador said.

The diplomat equally hailed the "excellent relations" between the two countries in various sectors, among them trade, culture, education, health and security.

Du recalled that cultural exchanges had in recent years become a major area of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

President Fonseca hailed the "level of excellent relations" between the two countries and expressed his willingness to consolidate the ties.

"We hope the relationship will become more stronger and that other sectors such as maritime economy, air transport, ICT, finance, tourism and general economic cooperation will be covered, " the president said.

"China is one of the most important partners for our country in the area of international relations," Fonseca said, citing China's support in the construction of the government palace, parliament, the national football stadium among other infrastructure projects.

Cape Verde has maintained friendly relations with China since it attained independence in 1975. Endi