New page in China-Portugal relations

Chinese President Hu Jintao's two-day visit to Portugal is believed to help turn a new page in bilateral relations.

Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva, who extended a sincere welcome to his Chinese counterpart, said the visit was of great importance and would push forward bilateral cooperation and friendship.

Hu wound up his visit to Portugal on Sunday.

Apart from Silva, Hu also met Prime Minister Jose Socrates and parliament speaker Jaime Gama. They reached important consensus on boosting the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

China and Portugal established the comprehensive strategic partnership in 2005. Bilateral relations have developed steadily in recent years.

The leaders recalled developments of bilateral ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations 31 years ago, and outlined the blueprint for future bilateral ties and pragmatic cooperation. They exchanged views on major international and regional issues of common concern.

The two sides signed cooperation agreements in culture, technology, tourism, electricity, telecommunications and finance.

The presidents of the two countries agreed to make joint efforts to further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Hu said China and Portugal need to make concerted efforts to further boost their five-year-old comprehensive strategic partnership against the backdrop of complex and volatile international situation.

Hu made a four-point proposal, calling on the two sides to strengthen mutual political trust and strategic cooperation.

He expressed confidence that Portugal will continue to play an active and important role in the development of China-European Union relations.

Hu also called upon the two sides to shore up economic cooperation and try to double bilateral trade by 2015.

Hu said the two sides should step up people-to-people exchanges and communication and cooperation in international affairs.

Silva agreed with Hu's views, saying that the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries in 2005 was a milestone in Portugal-China relations.

Silva expressed his wishes for both sides to further tap potential in bilateral trade and investment and expand cooperation.

He also spoke highly of China's crucial role in boosting world peace and development and its contributions to fighting the global financial crisis and promoting the recovery of the world economy.

Portugal expects China to play a more important role in such issues as the reform of the international monetary system and climate change, said Silva.

Portugal, taking advantage of its recent election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, is willing to strengthen cooperation and coordination with China in coping with global challenges, he said.

The Portuguese president also pledged his country's efforts to boost relations between Europe and China.

(Source: Xinhua)