Chinese Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Zhai Jun and Guinea-Bissau Minister for Defense Artur Silva on Monday in Bissau signed accords to reinforce technical cooperation, support for food sufficiency and a financial aid, all estimated to be more than six million euros (8.82 million U.S. dollars), this was revealed in Bissau.

"It's my pleasure to have at this particular moment the privilege of signing on behalf of Chinese government the protocol of technical cooperation between China and Guinea-Bissau. The documents are also carrying food aid," affirmed the Chinese diplomat.

Zhai pointed out that his visit to Guinea-Bissau came at a time when President Malam Bacai Sanha has been installed. It is this act that demonstrates the importance that China accords the bilateral relations with Guinea-Bissau.

On his part, the defense minister declared that he was convinced that the working visit of the Chinese deputy minister will reinforce more the existing excellent relations between the two countries.

Concerning the food aid, the Chinese government gave Guinea-Bissau 998,000 euros (1.47 million dollars) and financial aid of 5.6 million euros (8.23 million dollars).

The Chinese deputy minister arrived in Guinea-Bissau for an official visit on Sunday and it was accomplished on Monday by the visit to projects financed by the Chinese government namely the government palace and the military hospital.

Zhai had a meeting with the deputy Speaker of Guinea-Bissau's parliament before paying a courtesy call to President Sanha.

He pointed out that the Chinese government had invited the latter to go to China during the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Beijing.

He also said that China would help Guinea-Bissau to rebuild the former State House which was destroyed in 1998 during the conflicts at a cost of 10 million dollars.

Zhai begun a series of visits to Africa from Thursday. After his stay in South Africa and Guinea-Bissau, he is expected to visit Cape Verde and Mauritania.

Source: Xinhua