Xi Jinping and Portuguese President De Sousa exchange congratulatory messages on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Portugal

President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with President de Sousa of the Republic of Portugal on February 8 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Xi Jinping pointed out in his congratulatory message that the friendship between China and Portugal has a long history. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 40 years ago, the two sides have upheld the spirit of mutual respect, equal treatment, mutual benefit and win-win results to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations. In 1999, the two sides properly resolved the Macao issue, setting a model for countries to resolve issues left over from history through friendly consultations. Since the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Portugal in 2005, high-level visits between the two sides have been frequent, political mutual trust has been continuously deepened, and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields has achieved remarkable results. Not long ago, I successfully visited your country, had in-depth friendly exchanges with you, and jointly planned a new blueprint for the development of Sino-Portuguese relations. I attach great importance to the development of Sino-Portuguese relations and am willing to work with you to take the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as a new starting point to push the China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level and better benefit the two countries and their peoples.

In his congratulatory message, de Sousa said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Portugal and China, the two sides have always lived in harmony, sought common ground while reserving differences, and achieved mutual benefit and win-win results. Through consultation on an equal footing and consensus, the two sides successfully realized the transfer of power in Macao, which provided a useful reference for the international community. Portugal is proud of the long-term peaceful exchanges between the two countries and believes that through unremitting efforts, firm determination and enthusiasm, the two sides will promote the continuous development of the long-term and stable friendly relations between the two countries.

On the same day, Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Costa of Portugal also exchanged congratulatory messages. Li Keqiang said in his congratulatory message that Portugal is an important partner of China in the EU. China appreciates Portugal's active participation in the construction of "Belt and Road Initiative" and is willing to work hand in hand with Portugal to take the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to promote the continuous development of Sino-Portuguese relations and practical cooperation in various fields. Costa said in the congratulatory message that Portugal is willing to work with China to continuously deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, seek the well-being of the two peoples, and make greater contributions to the development of globalization in the current era.

Source: Xinhua