Cabo Verde and China recently signed the implementation agreement for the third phase of the Safe City Project. Chinese grant funding is estimated at 74 million renminbi, approximately €9.3 million. The document was signed by Carlos Sena, Minister of Internal Administration, and Zhang Yang, Chinese Ambassador to Cabo Verde.

The new phase provides for the expansion of security infrastructure and technological resources, with a view to strengthening prevention, operational response and criminal investigation. Carlos Sena described the agreement as a further step towards modernising internal security and said that previous phases had already helped to improve the operational capacity of the National Police.

Zhang Yang noted that the project would help implement the outcomes of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and deepen bilateral co-operation in law enforcement and security. The ambassador said that China would continue to support Cabo Verde and promote the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The two sides reiterated their commitment to advancing project implementation and expanding co-operation in priority areas as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

(Source: Balai Cabo Verde, 12 August)