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B&R News: China, Portugal pledge to jointly push forward construction of Belt and Road
6 Dec 2018

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) meets with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in Lisbon, Portugal, on Dec. 5, 2018.

(Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

 

China and Portugal pledged on Dec. 5 to jointly push forward the construction of the Belt and Road to strengthen Asia-Europe connectivity and boost global trade. The consensus was reached during a meeting between visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

 

During the meeting, Xi said that since Prime Minister Costa's official visit to China two years ago, the important consensuses reached between the two sides have been translated into concrete results of cooperation, as two-way trade is showing sound momentum of growth and the investment cooperation in key areas is making smooth progress. The China-Portugal relations are entering the best period in history and presented with new opportunities for development, Xi said.

 

On his part, Costa said that President Xi's visit is of great historic significance. The Portuguese side thanks China for its support in helping the country maintain its financial stability, Costa said, noting that Portugal stands ready to take this visit as an opportunity to join hands with China to elevate the bilateral relations to a higher level.

 

The two governments signed a series of cooperation documents after the meeting between the two leaders, including the memorandum of understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative and another one on science and technology cooperation.

 

The two countries also issued a joint statement on Wednesday, pledging to further strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, China and Portugal decided to hold cultural festivals at the other side in 2019. They also agreed to provide mutual support in setting up cultural centers.

 

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will attend the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation to be held in April 2019 in Beijing and pay a state visit to China at the invitation of President Xi, the joint statement said.

 

Source: Xinhua News Agency