The renovation to the Presidential Palace of Cape Verde, funded by the Chinese government, will be completed on schedule by year-end. The pledge was made by China’s ambassador to Cape Verde, Su Jian, during his meeting with Julio Cesar Freire de Morais, the African nation’s ambassador to China.

The Commercial Counselor’s Office of the Chinese Embassy in Cape Verde said in a statement that the two officials visited the Presidential Palace site on January 3.

“[We will] ensure the project is completed on time, showing the friendship between China and Cape Verde,” Mr Su was quoted as saying. The works, having started since last April, are expected to last 16 months.

China has also funded construction of the government headquarters and the Congress Hall in Cape Verde, the statement said.

The Chinese Embassy’s officials also met with Chinese businesspeople in Cape Verde, encouraging them to improve the services they provide, the office said in a separate statement.