China intends to adopt a pragmatic programme of cooperation with São Tomé and Príncipe in order to open a new chapter in the bilateral relationship, China’s Prime Minister said on Wednesday in Beijing, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua.

During talks with the Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe, Patrice Trovoada, who on Wednesday began an official seven-day visit to China, Li Keqiang said that countries, whether big or small, should respect the interests and the concerns of others and expressed the expectation that São Tomé and Príncipe would resolutely support the One China principle.

The Chinese premier said that China aims to deepen synergies with São Tomé and Príncipe “to start a mutually beneficial new chapter in the bilateral relationship.”

The two countries signed economic and technological cooperation, infrastructure and tourism agreements, and the agriculture and fisheries sector was also identified as a potential target for bilateral cooperation.

Li Keqiang gave assurances that China will create opportunities for the citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe to study and receive training in China and also mentioned medical teams that would be sent to the islands.

Patrice Trovoada said in turn that São Tomé and Príncipe looked to the future of its relationship with China with confidence and gave assurances that conditions will be created for Chinese investment in the archipelago to become a reality.

Trovoada’s official visit to China comes a few months after São Tomé and Príncipe re-established diplomatic relations with the PRC to the detriment of Taiwan.

Trovoada was the prime minister of São Tomé and Príncipe from February to May 2008 and from 2010 to 2012, and became the prime minister again in October 2014, after the Independent Democratic Action party won the parliamentary elections. (macauhub)