On May 15, 2014, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Aníbal Cavaco Silva of Portugal at the Great Hall of the People. The two heads of state agreed to join hands to promote China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership to a new high by proceeding from the present while bearing in mind the future.
Xi Jinping said that since the establishment of China-Portugal diplomatic relationship 35 years ago, the bilateral friendly cooperative relations have always developed in a healthy and steady manner. Both sides have treated each other equally with mutual respect and trust, upheld the principles of reciprocity and mutual benefits and cooperation for win-win results, and viewed and handled bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. The two countries have smoothly solved the Macao issue that was left over by history, which set a good example for the world.
Xi Jinping pointed out that the current China-Portugal relations are mature, stable, and full of dynamics and are at their best in history. Both sides should proceed from the present while bearing in mind the future to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, and to expand the exchanges and cooperation between the governments, parliaments, political parties, local governments and people. The Chinese side congratulates that Portugal is stepping out of its debt crisis, and will provide support to Portugal as always by expanding the two-way trade and mutual investment and promoting cooperation in fields such as energy, telecommunications, finance, marine, environmental protection and new energy. Both sides should also conduct a variety of cultural exchanges activities, enhance communication and coordination in international affairs, and explore possibilities of a trilateral cooperation with Africa and Latin-America via mechanisms including the forum between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, so as to contribute to peaceful, stable and sustainable development of relevant regions and countries.
Xi Jinping expressed that China has always firmly supported the construction of European integration. Not long ago, I paid visits to four European countries and the EU headquarters, during which I reached important consensus with European leaders on forging four major partnerships for "peace, growth, reform and civilization". Hope the Portuguese side, as China's good friend and partner within the EU, could continue to play a positive and constructive role in promoting the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership for greater development.
Aníbal Cavaco Silva said that Portugal-China relations have achieved considerable progress with mutual respect, friendship and mutual trust. Macao has realized a smooth development since the handover of sovereignty, fully proving the political wisdom of the two countries. Portugal highly appreciates China's development achievements, and is earnestly looking forward to the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. The Portuguese side hopes to strengthen political exchanges with China, to boost cooperation in economy and trade, green and low-carbon technology, finance, tourism, education, science and technology and other fields, and to attract more Chinese enterprises to invest in Portugal and expand European market. Portugal supports China's initiative of advancing the mechanisms including the China-Portuguese-speaking countries forum and is willing to participate in the trilateral cooperation. Aníbal Cavaco Silva briefed on reforms taken in Portugal and the eurozone, appreciated China's support for the EU and Portugal, and expressed Portugal's willingness to continue to positively promote the development of EU-China relations.
Following the talks, the two heads of state witnessed together the signing of a number of cooperation documents.
The two heads of state also met the press together. Xi Jinping stressed that China and Portugal enjoy sound political mutual trust, fruitful results in practical cooperation, and close and frequent people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Standing at a new historical starting point, the bilateral relations are faced with new development opportunities. We are willing to join efforts with Portugal to promote the China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership to a new high.
Prior to the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcoming ceremony for Aníbal Cavaco Silva at the Square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. President Xi Jinping's wife Mme. Peng Liyuan, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Ji Bingxuan, State Councilor Yang Jiechi, Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Li Haifeng, Vice Chairperson of the Central Committee of China National Democratic Construction Association Li Dang and other officials were present.