PRAIA, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The Association of Chinese Companies in Cape Verde on Monday donated 6.5 million escudos (about 63,570 U.S. dollars) to the National Emergency Fund (NEF) to help the archipelago fight the novel coronavirus outbreak.
A symbolic check was handed over to the president of the NEF, Jose Luis Semedo, by president of the association Zhang Dengquan.
At a ceremony, Zhang said that COVID-19 is spreading around the world and poses a great risk to the Cape Verdean population, which requires a global joint response.
According to Zhang, 10 Chinese companies based in Cape Verde launched the initiative contributing to the efforts of the government and people of Cape Verde in their fight against COVID-19.
"Our companies are also part of Cape Verdean society and have the responsibility to participate in the prevention of this disease, and we have the obligation to participate with the people of Cape Verde in the fight against the pandemic," he said.
For his part, Jose Luis Semedo thanked Chinese businesspersons for "this noble gesture of solidarity".
On behalf of the government, National Director of Political, Economic and Cultural Affairs Julio Morais said that the ceremony "reflects" the relations between the two countries and the two peoples.
"The demonstration of the solidarity of the People's Republic of China toward Cape Verde continues to be special, very welcomed and much appreciated by the Cape Verdeans," he added.
Chinese Ambassador to Cape Verde Du Xiaocong also attended the ceremony. He said that this donation is "a vivid example of the deep friendship between the two countries."
Cape Verde has reported 260 confirmed cases, including two deaths and 58 recoveries, since March 19. Enditem
