Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva of Cabo Verde has held a meeting with the top US diplomat, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, to discuss deepening cooperation and bilateral ties between the two countries, reports Lusa.
The prime minister expressed his country’s desire to strengthen its partnership with the US in maritime and cyber security. He also spoke of stronger relations in terms of political dialogue, attracting investment and trade, and cooperation in training, science and technology.
Correia e Silva said the secretary’s visit “reinforces the excellent relations” between Cabo Verde and the United State and called Blinken’s four-country African tour a “genuine example” of the Biden administration’s interest in partnership with the continent. Blinken emphasised that the US is “completely committed” to building a “partnership for the future” with Africa.
Washington is racing to catch up with Beijing’s considerable influence in Africa, as part of a broader geopolitical power struggle between the two powers.
[See more: Cabo Verde has been certified malaria-free]
Correia e Silva ad Blinken met in the capital Praia where US foreign aid has financed the expansion and modernisation of the country’s largest port. Blinken credited the project as a “big part” of making Cabo Verde a “gateway to Africa,” noting that it produced many jobs and increased cruise tourism.
Cabo Verde is set to receive an unspecified amount of additional funding to strengthen regional connectivity and economic ties with the west coast of Africa.
Blinken additionally emphasised security, the blue economy, and health and health security in the US relationship with Cabo Verde.
The archipelago was declared malaria-free by the WHO earlier this month.
