São Tomé and Príncipe can look forward to what a Mainland official has described as “a very different future,” Lusa reports.

The Portuguese news agency quotes Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of African Affairs Director-general Lin Songtian as telling São Tomé and Príncipe: “I believe that within three to five years we will help your nation to have a very different future.”

The report says Mr Lin was speaking during a visit to the Portuguese-speaking country at the head of a Chinese delegation.

“Our goal is to support your country in creating jobs, improving tax revenues, ending poverty and promoting economic development,” Mr Lin was quoted as telling his hosts.

The Mainland and São Tomé and Príncipe restored diplomatic relations in December.