China has given Cabo Verde 1,318 tonnes of rice worth over US$1 million for school feeding programmes, Radio de Cabo Verde reports.

The station says the rice may also be used to feed the needy and those most afflicted by poor harvests.

The report, citing a written statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Praia, says the gift of rice is the third China has given drought-stricken Cabo Verde in three years.

The statement quotes Chinese Ambassador to Cabo Verde Du Xiaochong as saying at the turnover of the shipment that he hoped the rice would bring relief to the people of Cabo Verde.

Sino-Cabo Verde co-operation could make further progress toward ensuring the supply of food and reducing poverty in Cabo Verde, Radio de Cabo Verde quotes Mr Du as saying.