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PRAIA, May 21-- Cape Verde supports the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and will deepen bilateral cooperation with China, the country's leaders said during meetings with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the capital of Praia. China is a close friend of Cape Verde and has been supporting the island country since its independence, Cape Verde's President Jorge Carlos Fonseca said Saturday during a meeting with Wang. Cape Verde is willing to support and join the Belt and Road Initiative to deepen mutual cooperation with China, Fonseca said. The Sao Vicente special economic zone, the safe city project and the community housing project are priorities in the country's national development agenda, Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva said Saturday while meeting with Wang, adding that he hopes China can participate in these projects and contribute to the country's economic and social development. Cape Verde regards China as the most reliable partner for African countries and supports China in defending its legitimate rights and playing a greater role in international affairs, Silva said. Cape Verde would also like to maintain communication and coordination with China on issues such as the reform of the United Nations Security Council, he added. For his part, Wang said China supports the developing countries to defend their legitimate rights and common interests, and advocates that every nation, large or small, should respect others as equals. | 
