China and Cape Verde aim to enhance their co-operation in cultural exchanges in the coming years, reported Cape Verdean news agency Inforpress.

Cui Li, Chinese Vice Minister of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, made the remarks in a meeting with Cape Verdean Prime Minister, José Maria Neves, on Saturday.

Ms Cui led an official delegation to the country to attend the 40th anniversary celebrations on Sunday of the independence of the archipelago.

Describing bilateral ties as “excellent”, Ms Chui said both nations had begun co-operation in many major areas, including education, health, agriculture, the economy and sport. The cultural sector would be the next target for closer collaboration in the coming years, she added.

“We want to mobilise our efforts to deepen this co-operation in order to further benefit the people of the two nations,” the Chinese Vice Minister said.

The Cape Verdean Government noted in a press statement that China “is one of the most important partners” in the diplomatic relations of the archipelago.