On the afternoon of August 26, 2004, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Prime Minister of the Republic of Cape Verde José Maria Pereira Neves at the Great Hall of the People.

Hu Jintao said that the peoples of China and Cape Verde enjoy deep traditional friendship. Relations between the two countries have been developing smoothly since 28 years ago, when the diplomatic ties were established between the two countries soon after the independence of Cape Verde. The two sides conducted sincere and productive cooperation in the fields of politics, economy and trade, culture, health as well as in international affairs. China appreciates the long-term adherence to the one-China policy and the support for the lofty cause of national reunification of China by the government of Cape Verde.

Hu Jintao noted that both China and Cape Verde are developing countries and it is the common aspiration of the two countries to promote peace, stability and development. It is the consistent stance of China that countries, big or small, rich or poor, strong or weak, are equal members of the international community and should respect each other, treat each other as equals and live in amity. China stands ready to join hands with Cape Verde to further strengthen the friendly cooperation in various areas and push relations between the two countries towards comprehensive and deepened development.

Neves said that the government and people of Cape Verde are grateful to China for its invaluable support and assistance over the years in Cape Verde's efforts to fight for national independence and develop the national economy. The government of Cape Verde firmly supports the lofty cause of the national reunification of China and hopes for an early solution to the Taiwan issue. It would like to renew its efforts to enhance the political relations between the two countries and expand cooperation in infrastructure construction, agriculture, fishery, tourism and shipping so as to promote the existing friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries for further development. Cape Verde welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest and seek development in Cape Verde.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and some other officials were present at the meeting.