China’s top legislator Zhao Leji paid an official goodwill visit to Portugal from Thursday to Saturday, signaling a renewed commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation. During the three-day visit, Zhao expressed China’s readiness to expand collaboration and hoped that Portugal would work together with China to inject more positive energy into the development of ties between China and the European Union (EU).
Zhao, chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, met with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, and Parliament Speaker José Pedro Aguiar-Branco. The meetings focused on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.
In his meeting with President Rebelo de Sousa, Zhao conveyed cordial greetings and best wishes from Chinese President Xi Jinping. He highlighted that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership has been deepening and making solid progress. This progress features steady advancement in Belt and Road cooperation, as well as rich cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Zhao acknowledged Portugal’s longstanding adherence to the one-China principle and emphasized China’s willingness to engage with Portugal based on mutual respect and equality. He stated that both countries can strengthen their bonds as good friends who respect and trust each other, become reliable partners for common development, and close companions in mutual learning between civilizations.
The visit underscores China’s intent to bolster ties with Portugal and enhance cooperation within the broader context of China-EU relations, aiming for mutual benefits and shared development.
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China's top legislator visits Portugal, eyes closer cooperation
cgtn.com
