Xi Jinping Holds Talks with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal

On April 29, 2019, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Portugal are each other's important strategic partners. The bilateral relations are characterized by prominent strategic significance, high complementarity in interests and strong economic complementarity. The two heads of state exchanged visits in less than half a year, reflecting the high level of China-Portugal relations. Standing at a new historical starting point, the two sides should carry forward traditions, seize opportunities, and work together to deepen all-round cooperation and develop a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring higher level, broader vision and greater vitality. Both sides should strengthen high-level exchanges, and accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns based on mutual respect and mutual trust. China regards Portugal as an important partner in the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative. The two countries should deepen cooperation in fields including trade, investment, energy, infrastructure and electric vehicles. The two sides should intensify cooperation in people-to-people and cultural engagement as well as science and technology for the purpose of exchanges and mutual learning. Both sides should pursue peaceful development, strengthen coordination of positions on major international issues, firmly support the multilateral trading system, and advance the building of an open world economy.

Xi Jinping emphasized that this year marks the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to China. Since its return to the motherland, Macao has scored remarkable achievements as the policies of "one country, two systems," the people of Macao governing Macao, and a high degree of autonomy have been fully implemented. Macao has become a bridge for long-term friendly cooperation between China and Portugal. The Chinese side is willing to work with the Portuguese side to push China's cooperation with Portuguese-speaking countries including Portugal for more results. It is believed that the Portuguese side will also continue to play an active role in maintaining the right direction of China-Europe relations.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said that President Xi Jinping paid a very successful state visit to Portugal last year. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Portugal and China and the 20th anniversary of the smooth return of Macao to China, we should translate the long-standing friendship between the two countries into a future-oriented partnership. We are full of confidence in the future of bilateral relations. My attendance at the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in China this time is to prove that the Portuguese side firmly supports the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative. The Portuguese side stands ready to deepen connections with the Chinese side in economy, trade, investment, science and technology and culture, and expand third-party market cooperation. Portugal supports deepening Europe-China cooperation, jointly upholding multilateralism and advancing free trade.

After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of relevant bilateral cooperation documents.

Prior to the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony for Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. Ding Xuexiang, Yang Jiechi, Wu Weihua, Wang Yi, Xia Baolong, He Lifeng and others were present.