LISBON, May 13 -- Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Monday met with Chui Sai On, chief executive of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). Both sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations in various fields.
During the meeting in the Presidential Residence of the Belem Palace, the Portuguese president said that the relations between Portugal and China as well as between Portugal and Macao are at their best times, noting that China thinks highly of the Macao's role of bridge between China and Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries.
Macao SAR is developing well, especially in the field of economic diversification, he said, noting that progress has been made in business investments, science and technology, and the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries in Macao has played an important role.
He explained that the sustainable development of the Portuguese language in Macao will enhance the connection and cooperation in the fields of culture, society, economy and trade, science and technology and tourism with the Portuguese-speaking countries.
The president's remarks were echoed by Chui, who said that his government will make the Chinese-Portuguese platform better.
Chui, who is on his official visit to Portugal starting Sunday, said that thanks to the traditional friendship and historic connections between Macao and Portugal, bilateral cooperation has made rapid progress with joint efforts from both sides.
He expressed confidence that there will be great potential for cooperation between the two sides under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Chui reiterated that the Macao SAR will continue to protect the Portuguese community and promote the development of the Portuguese culture and the Portuguese language in Macao.
Also on Monday, Chui attended the Macao SAR's reception and a photo exhibition in Lisbon, which is to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR.