China, Portugal reinforce Macau’s role in bilateral relations

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro met in Beijing yesterday, emphasizing the strong historical ties between China and Portugal and stressing Macau’s role in fostering bilateral relations.

President Xi noted that both countries share a long history and rich cultural heritage, with peoples who are “open, inclusive, enterprising, and self-reliant,” as cited in a Xinhua report.

He praised the way China and Portugal resolved the Macau issue through friendly consultations, describing it as a successful example of cooperation between countries with different political and social systems.

China’s top official noted that Macau serves as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, facilitating cultural, educational, and economic exchanges.

The two leaders marked the 20th anniversary of the China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership, with Xi emphasizing the importance of deepening strategic communication and maintaining the strong trajectory of bilateral relations.

He highlighted key areas for cooperation, including innovation, green development, maritime affairs, and healthcare, while also encouraging people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Xi said that the two regions should give full play to Macau’s role as a bridge and make good use of mechanisms like the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes at a higher level.

He further noted the turbulent international landscape and stressed the need for closer China-Europe communication and cooperation.

Xi noted the 80th anniversaries of China’s victory in the People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the World Anti-Fascist War, and the UN’s founding, emphasizing China’s intent to cooperate with Portugal on multilateral matters.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Montenegro conveyed greetings from Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and reaffirmed Portugal’s commitment to the one-China policy.

He commended the success of the SAR over the past 25 years, noting that it demonstrates the effectiveness of the friendly resolution of the Macau issue.

Montenegro said that Portugal values the support China provided during critical periods of our economic development and will continue to respect the one-China principle.

Montenegro also expressed Portugal’s willingness to strengthen political mutual trust, enhance economic and trade cooperation, and align with China’s Global Governance Initiative.

He acknowledged China’s role as a strategic partner for Europe and Portugal’s commitment to fostering stable EU-China relations.

The reappointed Prime Minister arrived in Macau yesterday and is scheduled to meet with Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai during his two-day visit, which lasts until September 10, according to the Government Information Bureau (GCS).

In his first official visit to China as Prime Minister, Montenegro accepted an invitation from Chinese Premier Li Qiang, with Macau serving as one of the stops on his trip.

At 10 a.m. today, the official is set to visit the Portuguese School of Macau.

Stronger Ties Ahead

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel in Beijing on Monday.

Wang mentioned the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Portugal, saying Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s upcoming visit is an opportunity to expand cooperation and advance bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, Rangel thanked China for its preparations for the visit and said Portugal values its relationship with China.

He added that the visit is expected to support further cooperation and communication, including within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, following the principles of the Global Governance Initiative. Times Reporter