French President Jacques Chirac on Monday defended the European constitution as opening doors of future to Europe during a meeting with visiting Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio.

"Today to build Europe is our common destiny. Portuguese people as French people, should soon express their voices over the European constitutional treaty by referendum," he said.

"We are convinced: this treaty opens the doors of future to Europe. That's why we make our efforts so that this great democratic debate could reach to its success to affirm the European social model, based on justice and solidarity," the French president said.

The Portuguese president noted the necessity to give Europe an exceptional frame to deal with the challenges of the 21st century, saying "we need a Europe capable of rebounding economy in preserving the European social model".

In an interview with the French newspaper Le Figaro on Monday, Sampaio called to vote "yes" to the constitution.

Source: Xinhua