With the approach of the 30th anniversary of Sino-Portugal relations, Portuguese ambassador to China Rui Quartin Santos called on both sides Friday to strengthen their bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two countries established diplomatic relations on Feb. 8, 1979. Since then, they have cooperated in many fields such as science, education and health, Santos said.

Bilateral trade volume reached 2.7 billion yuan (about 395 million U.S. dollars) last year, Chinese customs statistics show.

"We should enhance cooperation to curb the negative influence of the global economic downturn, eliminate trade protectionism and cope with global climate change," Santos said.

He also praised the stable and prosperous development of Macao since its return to the mainland 10 years ago.

Santos said his country would hold "The Year of Portugal" in China in 2011, which would feature many Portuguese cultural treasures.

(Xinhua News Agency February 6, 2009)