China is willing to strengthen co-operation ties with the municipality of Sal, in Cape Verde, said the Chinese Ambassador to the African nation, Du Xiaocong.

According to local newspaper Expresso das Ilhas, Mr Du made his remarks while visiting the Island of Sal – the country’s most popular destination with overseas tourists – following an invitation by the Mayor of Sal, Jorge Figueiredo.

Mr Figueiredo noted – as quoted by the newspaper – that for 12 years Sal has been developing ties with the Chinese municipality of Sanya – a popular holiday destination for mainland Chinese tourists. That co-operation had resulted in several projects supported by China in the Cape Verdean municipality, especially in the fields of sports and higher education, he added.

According to an online statement by the municipality of Sal, Mr Du also advised Sal to submit specific projects to the Chinese Central Government, so that Sal might benefit from Chinese investment, under Sino-Cape Verdean co-operation arrangements.

Mr Du also said – as quoted in that note – China was willing to invest further in the Island of Sal in the fields of tourism and education.