President Hu Jintao met with visiting Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio in Beijing on Wednesday. The two leaders pledged that their countries will promote exchange and cooperation in various fields and at all levels to maximize bilateral ties.

China and Portugal established formal diplomatic ties in 1979 and successfully negotiated the return of Macao to Chinese sovereignty at the end of the last century. In recent years, bilateral contacts and exchanges have increased, with trade and investment rising steadily.

Hu noted that the two countries have also enjoyed sound cooperation in international affairs. He expressed his appreciation for Portugal's support of the one-China policy and reunification, and thanked Sampaio for his country's efforts in promoting Sino-Portuguese and China-European relations.

Sampaio replied that the steady development of ties with China and the adherence to the one-China policy are important parts of Portugal's foreign policy.

China is looking to maintain high-level visits and contacts, including exchanges between the parliaments and political parties, and closer cooperation between the foreign ministries and other governmental departments.

China and Portugal should further enhance coordination and cooperation in international affairs for the maintenance of world peace and stability and the promotion of common development, Hu said.

Meanwhile, to expand economic and trade ties, China will support domestic and Portuguese companies in exploring new ways to cooperate.

Hu also suggested that the two nations expand joint activities in the realms of higher education, science and technology and law enforcement by supporting language education, increasing the number of exchanges students, jointly hosting cultural and sports events and setting up joint laboratories.

The two heads of state also touched upon the topic of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). Hu said that since Macao returned to the motherland, all practices have proven that the principles of "one country, two systems", "Macao people governing Macao", and "a high degree of autonomy" have been fully implemented in the region.

Macao remains a hub where West meets East and continues to play its role as a bridge of Sino-Portuguese friendship and a platform for cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Sampaio noted that the smooth resolution of the Macao issue set an example for properly settling problems left by history. He also spoke highly of the achievements made by Macao since 1999.

After the talks, officials from the two countries signed an intergovernmental agreement on economic cooperation and other documents.

Some 120 business leaders are accompanying Sampaio on his eight-day visit to China.

(Xinhua News Agency January 13, 2005)