China’s Ambassador to Angola, Cui Aimin, has argued the two nations should move beyond traditional partnerships in infrastructure and housebuilding, and strengthen co-operation in agriculture, fishery, health, education and training.

Mr Cui Aimin presented his proposal on Tuesday in a meeting with the President of Angola’s National Assembly, Fernando dos Santos, the local newspaper Jornal de Angola reported.

“China’s Government is willing to promote further development of bilateral ties with Angola,” the Chinese diplomat said, as quoted by the newspaper.

Mr Cui Aimin added the China and Angola economies were going through a stage of “transformation and adjustment” targeted in each case at improving the well-being of their citizens.

During the meeting with the parliament’s president, the Chinese Ambassador also mentioned the current economic crisis in the African nation. He said he believed “Angola and the Angolan people were confident” the crisis would be overcome.