São Tomé and Príncipe and Pingtan are facing some similar challenges including garbage disposal, water recycling and urban planning, and the two sides could further communications and cooperation in these fields, Trovoada added.

Zhang extended a warm welcome to the prime minister and gave a brief introduction to Pingtan.

Zhang said that, thanks to the tremendous support of China's central government and the Fujian provincial government, Pingtan has been transformed from an isolated island into a fast-growing city with great development potential.

Lin Wengyao, director of the administrative committee of Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone, also attended the meeting.

"China has a traditionally strong bond with African countries. Pingtan and São Tomé and Príncipe are islands and share a lot in common in terms of economic development," said Lin.

Lin also stated that he hoped both sides would carry out in-depth exchanges in the fields of culture, tourism and trade and jointly explore potential cooperation opportunities.

Patrice Trovoada, prime minister of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, tours around Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone Planning Pavilion during his visit to Pingtan, Fujian province, on April 15. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]