Cape Verde is ready to support the Mainland’s Belt and Road Initiative in what has been presented as a deepening of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, Xinhua reports.

The Government-run news agency says Cape Verde President Jorge Carlos Fonseca made the commitment on Saturday at a meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Mr Fonseca said the Mainland had been a friend to Cape Verde and supported the island nation since its independence.

Cape Verde’s Prime Minister, Ulisses Correia e Silva, said the São Vicente special economic zone, the safe city project and community housing were priorities for national development and the Mainland could participate.