SAO TOME, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Sao Tome and Principe has called for its growing ties with China to serve as an inspiring example of South-South cooperation, highlighting the historic depth and modern vitality of bilateral relations.
Speaking on behalf of the government at a reception held by the Chinese Embassy in Sao Tome and Principe to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Vera Cravid, minister of justice, parliamentary affairs, and women's rights, emphasized that relations between Sao Tome and Principe and China have long been aligned with a vision of solid cooperation and strategic partnership.
"Our diplomatic history began on the very day of our independence, July 12, 1975, when China was among the first countries to recognize our young nation. Since then, our cooperation has deepened, encompassing health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure," she said.
The minister underlined that the cooperation agreements signed on the sidelines of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation last year are already delivering tangible and transformative benefits for the Santomean people in sectors spanning healthcare, education, agriculture, digital transformation, and infrastructure.
Looking ahead, she expressed the government's conviction that "our partnerships should stand as an inspiring example of South-South cooperation and a concrete contribution to strengthening multilateralism."
In her remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Sao Tome and Principe Xu Yingzhen said China is willing to work hand in hand with Sao Tome and Principe to safeguard the victory of World War II and the post-war international order, to act as a builder of world peace and a participant in global governance, and to further advance pragmatic bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both peoples.
The reception, held on Tuesday in the capital, Sao Tome, gathered nearly 200 guests, including senior officials, political leaders, diplomats, and representatives of the Chinese community.
