Xinhuanet, Terceira Island, Portugal, July 24 (Reporters Chen Zhi, Zhang Yadong) – On July 24, President Xi Jinping met with Portuguese Deputy Prime Minister Paulo Portas, the representative of the Portuguese President, on Terceira Island, Portugal.
Paulo Portas delivered a personal letter from President Aníbal Cavaco Silva to Xi Jinping. In the letter, President Silva welcomed President Xi's transit stop in Portugal and extended his best wishes. President Silva explained that he was currently on an official visit abroad and had specially commissioned Deputy Prime Minister Portas to receive President Xi.
President Xi requested that Deputy Prime Minister Portas convey his greetings to President Silva, and expressed his appreciation to the Deputy Prime Minister for making a special trip from Lisbon, the capital, to welcome the Chinese delegation during their transit. President Xi noted that two months ago, President Silva visited China and they held very productive talks, which added new momentum to the China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership. Portugal is a good friend and partner of China in the European Union. China has always placed great importance on its relationship with Portugal. Next year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. He expressed hope that both sides will take this as an opportunity to deepen practical cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, technology, investment, agriculture and animal husbandry, tourism, and marine affairs, and elevate China-Portugal relations to a new level. China wishes Portugal continued success in maintaining its economic recovery momentum, encourages more capable Chinese enterprises to invest in Portugal, and hopes that the Portuguese side will provide more convenience for exchanges between enterprises and personnel of the two countries. Both China and Portugal possess long coastlines and abundant marine resources, and the two sides can strengthen cooperation in developing the marine economy and utilizing marine resources.
President Xi pointed out that China and Portugal successfully realized the smooth handover of Macau through negotiations. Since its return, Macau has maintained prosperity and stability. Facts have proven that the historical decision made by China and Portugal at that time was correct.
President Xi introduced the situation regarding his attendance at the 6th BRICS Summit and his visits to four Latin American countries. He emphasized that China is willing to work with Portugal to fully leverage the role of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, actively explore tripartite cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit, and contribute to promoting peace, stability, and development in relevant regions and countries.
Deputy Prime Minister Portas stated that the successful resolution of the Macau issue by Portugal and China has set an example for settling historical issues between nations. In previous years, when Portugal faced economic difficulties, China provided valuable support and assistance, for which Portugal is grateful. The Portuguese side appreciates the "Chinese Dream" and believes that China will play an increasingly important role in promoting world peace and development. Portugal is willing to develop its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, strengthen political dialogue, and expand cooperation in economy, trade, investment, marine affairs, and tourism. The Portuguese economy is improving, and the country welcomes active participation from Chinese enterprises. The Portuguese side is willing to actively promote the development of EU-China relations. Deputy Prime Minister Portas congratulated President Xi on the success of his Latin American tour and indicated that Portugal is willing to utilize its own advantages to strengthen cooperation with China in Latin American and African affairs.
Portuguese Deputy Prime Minister Paulo Portas with Worldway President Dr. Winner Xing
