Chinese President Xi Jinping told Cape Verdean Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva on Thursday in Beijing that China is willing to cooperate with Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) on the basis of equal treatment for all countries, regardless of their size.

Xi, quoted the Xinhua news agency, praised the commitment of the Cape Verdean prime minister to deepening relations with China and to resolutely support China-Africa cooperation.

The Chinese president also praised Cabo Verde’s participation in the New Silk Road initiative, launched by Beijing, which includes new ports, airports, roads and power stations, to connect Europe, Central Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia.

At the third summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Xi Jinping pledged to support the continent with US$60 billion in funding over the next three years, including concessional loans, donations and debt pardons.

Xi said Beijing pays “special attention” to Cabo Verde’s concerns as a small island country, saying China is willing to strengthen coordination on issues such as climate change and the UN’s 2030 sustainable development agenda.

As part of his trip to China to attend the FOCAC summit, Ulisses Correia e Silva visited the New Area of Binhai, in the port city of Tianjin, about 120 kilometres from Beijing.

Cabo Verde is negotiating with China for support for various development projects, such as the Special Economic Maritime Zone of São Vicente, Cidade Segura (Safe City) and the Praia National Convention Centre. (macauhub)