PRAIA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- A photo exhibition commemorating the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up started Tuesday in Praia, capital of Cape Verde, a small island country off the northwest coast of Africa.

Organized by the Chinese embassy in Cape Verde, the exhibition features 66 photos showcasing the great changes in various fields in China since 1978 when China adopted the reform and opening-up policy.

In his opening speech, Chinese Ambassador to Cape Verde Du Xiaocong reviewed the achievements China had scored in the 40 years of reform and opening up, reiterating that China has always adhered to the path of peaceful development and pursued the opening-up strategy of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.

Du said the development of bilateral relations between China and Cape Verde almost synchronized with China's reform and opening up. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1976, China and Cape Verde have realized progress in various fields through mutually beneficial cooperation.

Jorge Santos, the president of Cape Verde's National Assembly, praised the glorious achievements of China's reform and opening up over the past 40 years which have had a positive impact on the bilateral relations.

He thanked China for the contributions it made to boost the economic and social development of Cape Verde, hoping that the cooperation will deepen.

The exhibition will run for a week in Praia and then will continue across the country.