China is satisfied with the development of Sino-Portuguese relations during the past years, Chinese Vice-Premier Li Lanqing said in Lisbon Thursday.
At a meeting with Portuguese foreign minister Martins da Cruz, Li noted that mutual trust and understanding have been deepened between China and Portugal through increased bilateral political contacts and exchanges since the handover of Macao in 1999.
Li also appreciated Portugal's good cooperation with China within the United Nations and other international organizations.
Li told da Cruz that the Chinese government appreciated the adherence of the Portuguese government to the one-China policy.
"China attaches importance to its ties with Portugal and is willing to expand and deepen exchanges and cooperation with Portugal in all areas, in particular in science and technology, culture and education," he said.
Da Cruz said that the development of ties with China is a priority of the Portuguese diplomacy.
Portugal hopes to jointly tap the cooperation potentials with China and enhance bilateral cooperation in telecommunication, infrastructure, electronics and education, said Da Cruz.
He congratulated on China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), saying that China's WTO entry is conducive to the world economy and presents new opportunities for Portuguese- Chinese economic cooperation.
He highly regarded the socio-economic achievements scored by Macao after 1999.
(Xinhua News Agency July 12, 2002)
