H.E. Mr. Zhang Ping, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress met with H.E. Mr. Pedro Pires, Former President of Cabo Verde in Beijing on July 4th, 2016.

Zhang extended his welcome to Pires for leading a delegation to China on the 40th anniversary of China-Cabo Verde diplomatic relations. He said that Pires was not only the founding father of Cabo Verde, but also an old friend of China, who has made great contributions to the steady development of China-Cabo Verde relations. Over the past 40 years, bilateral relations have remained sound and rapid development. China and Cabo Verde have always shown understanding and support on issues concerning each other’s core interests. The recent years have witnessed the remarkable achievements in bilateral pragmatic cooperation and increasingly dynamic people-to-people exchanges. He hoped that with the support of Pires, both sides can further consolidate the foundation of public support to enhance friendship and deepen cooperation.

Pires thanked Zhang for meeting his delegation. He said that Cabo Verde and China enjoyed profound friendship. China provided selfless assistance in Cabo Verde’s struggle for its national independence, as well as practical support to lift Cabo Verde from the least developed countries. China’s principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs has an important and long-term influence on Africa. The commitment China made in the FOCAC Johannesburg Summit last year, is in the interest of African countries. The Cabo Verdean people hope not only to see a more powerful China playing a role of balance in the multi-polar world, but also to enhance cooperation in areas of science and technology, human recourses, security, port, tourism and marine resources between the two countries. 

H.E. Mr. Pedro Pires paid a visit to China from July 1st to 6th at the invitation of the CPAFFC.