Closer ties with Portugal open new chapter of cooperation

China and Portugal are willing to continue to expand friendly exchanges, deepen pragmatic cooperation and join hands to address global challenges such as climate change, said senior officials at a Chinese New Year reception held in Portugal on Friday.

Zhao Bentang, Chinese ambassador to Portugal — who attended the event that also marked the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries — said that leaders of China and Portugal made a historic decision on Feb 8, 1979. They established diplomatic relations based on the fundamental interests of the two peoples, opening a new chapter in bilateral ties. Over the years, China and Portugal have adhered to the spirit of mutual understanding, respect, trust and cooperation, achieving significant results in various fields and establishing a series of cooperative models.

He highlighted the exemplary cooperation between China and Europe, citing the resolution of the Macao issue as a model of friendly negotiation between nations to address historical issues.

In 2005, China and Portugal established a comprehensive strategic partnership, propelling bilateral relations onto the fast track.

In 2018, both sides signed a memorandum of understanding on jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as cooperation agreements in fields such as economy, trade, investment, energy, technology and culture.

In 2019, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was invited to attend the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in China. In 2023, Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng and Chief Executive of China's Macao Special Administrative Region Ho Iat Seng visited Portugal, deepening pragmatic cooperation in various fields between the two countries.

The latest data show that from January to November 2023, the total trade volume between China and Portugal reached some $7.94 billion, with China maintaining its position as Portugal's largest trading partner in Asia for several years. China's direct investment in Portugal reached about 3.47 billion euros ($3.75 billion), covering areas such as energy, electricity, finance, insurance and healthcare, achieving significant economic and social benefits. Meanwhile, Portuguese investment in China has been steadily increasing.

Zhao noted that China's new development concept is aligned with Portugal's economic and energy transition strategy, leading to rapid growth in cooperation in clean energy, new energy vehicles and other fields.

To date, China has remained Portugal's largest trading partner in Asia, its largest export market and an important source of investment for many years. Portugal has become the first Western European country to sign a cooperation document on jointly building the BRI with China. It is the first EU member to establish a "blue partnership" with China and the first eurozone country to issue renminbi bonds.

The event also featured an exhibition showcasing images of Sino-Portuguese friendship over the last 45 years and traditional Chinese cultural activities such as dragon and lion dances, tai chi and performances of guzheng, a Chinese plucked-string instrument.

Guests expressed their best wishes for the Sino-Portuguese relationship and Chinese Lunar New Year, expressing hopes for stable and far-reaching friendly cooperation between the two countries.

Cultural exchanges between China and Portugal have built bridges of mutual understanding, Zhao said, adding both countries respect the diversity of world civilizations and advocate strong exchanges and cooperation on the basis of openness and inclusiveness.

In recent years, the flow of people between China and Portugal has continued to grow, with China continuously optimizing visas and other policies to provide convenience for bilateral exchanges.

Cooperation in the field of language and culture between China and Portugal has progressed rapidly, with more than 40 Chinese universities offering Portuguese language programs and an increasing number of Chinese students choosing to study in Portugal.

Portugal has five Confucius Institutes and two Confucius Classrooms, serving as important platforms for local people to learn Chinese and understand Chinese culture, Zhao added.

wangjinhui@chinadaily.com.cn