AKIPRESS.COM - Permanent representatives of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Kairat Abdrakhmanov and representative of Sao Tome and Principe to UN Carlos Agostinho Filomeno das Nieves have signed a joint communiqué on establishing diplomatic relations, the press service of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry said Monday.

Sao Tome and Principe is a Portuguese-speaking island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa with a population of over 200 thousand. National Assembly is the supreme organ of the state and the highest legislative body.

The economy is based on oil production as proved reserves are about 20 billion barrels, exports of cocoa and coffee, as well as tourism industry. The country is one of the world's largest exporters of cocoa. The main partners are the US, UK, Norway, Belgium and France.

On the same day diplomatic relations were established between Kazakhstan and Sierra Leone. Vandi Chidi Minah, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the UN, inked the document for the African state.

The Republic of Sierra Leone is a state in West Africa with an estimated population of over 5 million. Sierra Leone has relied on mining, especially diamonds, for its economic base. It is also among the largest producers of titanium and bauxite, a major producer of gold, and has one of the world's largest deposits of rutile. Sierra Leone is home to the third-largest natural harbour in the world. The state's main trade partners are Belgium, the Netherlands, France, India and the United States.

During the signing ceremony, the sides exchanged views on prospects for cooperation at the bilateral level and on important issues on the UN agenda.

The representative of Sao Tome and Principe expressed interest in teaching students of the country in educational institutions of Kazakhstan. Separately, the question was raised to fight the epidemic of Ebola virus in Africa. Sierra Leone is one of the most affected countries. Kazakhstan has provided financial assistance to combat the disease.
Governments of Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe have received invitations to take part in the international exhibition EXPO-2017.

Permanent representative of Kazakhstan noted the importance for our country to further strengthen political and economic cooperation with African countries.