Portuguese president sees better ties with China

Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio said relations between Portugal and China have a bright prospect and his upcoming visit to China will further strengthen bilateral cooperation in politics, economy and other sectors.

Sampaio, who starts his 8-day China trip on Tuesday, said in an interview that the main purpose of his visit is to infuse new vigor into bilateral economic ties, expanding cooperation in trade, investment and tourism.

As a great country, China would play an important role in the 21st century in politics, economy and culture, and Portugal looks forward to boosting bilateral cooperation in culture and technology, Sampaio said.

The visit, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of full diplomatic relations and the 5th anniversary of China's resumption of its exercise of sovereignty over Macao, is an indication of the good political ties between the two countries, Sampaio said.

Bilateral relations have developed very smoothly since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Sampaio said, noting successful negotiations over Macao's handover.

Sampaio, recalling his meetings with Chinese leaders during the negotiations, said his visits to China in 1997 and former Chinese President Jiang Zemin's visit to Lisbon in 1999 consolidated the friendship between the two countries and deepened mutual understanding.

He stressed Portugal's adherence to the one-China policy, adding that since the implementation of the "one China, two systems" principle in Macao, the region has retained its identity and characteristics, facilitating political stability and economic prosperity.

China, as one of the largest economies in the world, has become an important economic partner of many countries or regions, especially since its accession to the World Trade Organization, the president said.

He noted that China has established sound and fruitful negotiation mechanisms on relations with Portugal and the European Union in various fields.

The Portuguese government will strive for the enhancement of Portuguese-Chinese trade and economic relations, said Sampaio.

The president said a delegation of more than 100 entrepreneurs will accompany him to China to deepen understanding and strengthen cooperation between enterprises of the two countries.

Moreover, Portugal plans to set up a consulate in Shanghai to boost the development of economy, trade and tourism.

During the upcoming visit, Sampaio said, the two sides will also sign new accords on economic cooperation, and discuss issues on the signing in the near future of cooperation accords on science and technology and culture.

Praising the time-honored friendly exchanges between Portugal and China, Sampaio said he believes there will be great promise for further enhancement of relations between the two countries.