Recently appointed Chinese Ambassador to Cape Verde Du Xiaocong has pledged to deepen co-operation between the two countries.

Mr Du met with Cape Verde’s Prime Minister José Maria Pereira Neves last week, the Chinese Embassy said in a statement.

“As the new Chinese Ambassador to Cape Verde, I will facilitate comprehensive and practical co-operation between China and Cape Verde, striving to take bilateral ties to next level,” Mr Du said.

He pointed out the two countries could work on further developing ties “in the areas of trade, science, cultural exchanges and health”.

Mr Neves was quoted saying China was “a good partner of Cape Verde”.

The Chinese Ambassador had already met with Cape Verde’s President Jorge Carlos Fonseca earlier this month to discuss bilateral co-operation.