Sam Hou Fai discusses expanding cooperation with Portuguese PM

Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai met this morning with Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro at Government Headquarters to discuss strengthening ties between Macau and Portugal and reinforcing the city’s role as a bridge in relations between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Sam welcomed Montenegro on his first official visit to China, noting that the stop in Macau reflects Portugal’s long-standing ties with the city.

The Portuguese official’s stop in the SAR is part of his China visit, which runs from Sept. 8 through today.

As cited in a statement issued by the Government Information Bureau (GCS), Sam said Macau has played an active role in promoting cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking nations, supported by the ‘One country, two systems’ framework.

According to GCS, the SAR’s top official noted that “Macau has safeguarded the rights, customs, and traditions of its Portuguese community while promoting Portuguese language education.”

Also, the Chief Executive pointed to the work of the Macau-Portugal Joint Commission, which has facilitated bilateral exchanges and agreements across multiple sectors.

He expressed appreciation for “Portugal’s consistent support of Macau’s stability and prosperity” since its return to China, particularly in relation to cooperation within the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP).

Meanwhile, Montenegro praised Macau’s preservation of Portuguese cultural heritage.

“Portugal seeks to strengthen cooperation through the Joint Commission and supports Macau’s role as a bridge between China, Portuguese-speaking nations, and the CPLP,” he said.

The Portuguese PM also expressed hope for a future visit by Sam to Portugal.

Further, both sides acknowledged the outcomes of six prior Joint Commission meetings and agreed to hold the seventh in February 2026 to expand pragmatic cooperation.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from China, Macau, and Portugal, including Foreign Ministry Commissioner Liu Xianfa, Chinese Ambassador to Portugal Zhao Bentang, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel, and Portuguese Consul-General in Macau Alexandre Leitão, among others.