Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates signed in Lisbon on Friday a joint statement on enhancing bilateral ties, in which both sides agree to set up an all-round strategic partnership.

The joint statement, issued after the two leaders held formal talks, blueprints six fields for China and Portugal to develop the all-round strategic partnership, namely, political dialogue; economic cooperation; cooperation in language, culture and education, cooperation in science; judicial cooperation and exchanges among health care departments.

As for political dialogue, China and Portugal agree to arrange more high-level visits and contacts, including visits of state and governmental heads and annual ministerial meetings.

Portugal reiterates that it adheres to the one-China policy in the joint statement.

The statement says Portugal will continue to exert efforts to push forward the lifting of arms embargo against China by the European Union (EU), and it will spare no efforts to make the EU recognize China's market economy status.

In economic cooperation, China and Portugal vow to continue efforts to create good conditions for investment in each other, and encourage small and medium-sized enterprises from both countries to increase contacts and communication.

China and Portugal also vow to take various means to boost tourism cooperation.

As for education and culture, China and Portugal signed an agreement on recognizing each other's diploma and academic degrees.

The joint statement also says both countries will strengthen cooperation in cultural exchange, science cooperation, judicial cooperation and exchanges among medical care departments.



(Xinhua News Agency December 10, 2005)