When the island republic of Cape Verde held a ceremony to celebrate its 40th anniversary of independence in the capital, Praia, July 4-5, a special envoy of the Chinese government, Cui Li, a vice-minister of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, was on hand to take part.

Cui met with the president, Jorge Carlos Fonseca, and the premier Jose Maria Pereira Neves and told them that China treasures its friendship with the country and would like to cooperate more in many sectors and that she believed the relationship can reach a new stage.

The president expressed his gratitude for China’s sending a special envoy for the ceremony and its support in construction work and that he hopes the two can cooperation more and increase bilateral ties.

Cui was accompanied on her visit by China’s ambassador there, Du Xiaocong, and had a chance to speak with a Chinese medical team helping in Cape Verde and get a look at some projects that are getting assistance from China.