SHANGHAI Mayor Ying Yong met a delegation from Sao Tome and Principe led by Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada on Monday.

Ying thanked the Portuguese-speaking island nation in central Africa for supporting the “One China” policy and protecting China’s core interests. The two countries normalized their diplomatic relationship in December 2016.

He said China has put economic development high on its agenda for decades and made reform and opening its basic national policy. The country is sticking to the road of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

The mayor went on that Shanghai is the economic center of China. The city epitomizes the nation’s development. Shanghai wants to strengthen friendship and cooperation with Sao Tome and Principe.

Trovoada said he is impressed by China’s opening policy and sincerity for cooperation. His government will adhere to the “One China” policy and start a new chapter of cooperation.