China-Portugal ties 'at the best time in history'

World
Europe

01:23

The leaders of China and Portugal have agreed that the bilateral ties are at their "best time in history," said Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday.

Xi made the remarks at his joint press conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Lisbon, during his visit to this country.

The two leaders have held what President Xi called a "friendly and fruitful" meeting.

A broad consensus has been reached between the two sides on issues about bilateral relationships, China-Europe ties and other issues of common concern.

The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative, Xi confirmed.

Both countries will deepen ties in terms of trade, culture, education, tourism, science and technology, media and sports, Xi mentioned, adding they will also have more cooperation regarding maritime research.

"We will support each other and collaborate with each other on platforms including the UN to safeguard multilateralism and free trade," Xi told reporters.

Ahead of the press conference, the two leaders witnessed a signing ceremony of cooperation agreements between the two countries.

China and Portugal issued a joint statement to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership.

The statement said that both sides affirmed the remarkable development achievements made by the Macao Special Administrative Region. Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the return of Macao. Macao will further be a bridge to boost the long-term friendly relations between China and Portugal, the statement said.

In 1987, the Chinese and Portuguese governments reached an agreement on resolving the issue of Macao left over from history.