Vice President Zeng Qinghong met in Beijing Wednesday with
Portuguese Defense Minister Luis Amado, pledging to further promote
relations between the two countries and the two armed forces.
Zeng said China-Portugal ties have entered a new phase since
Portugal returned Macao to China, with frequent high-level visits,
constant friendly exchanges, and fruitful cooperation in the
political, economic, trade, science, technology, cultural and
military fields.
The Chinese government attaches importance to developing
friendly cooperation with Portugal, and is ready to work with
Portugal to upgrade the relations between the two countries and the
two armed forces in line with the principles of mutual respect,
seeking common ground while respecting differences, equality and
mutual benefit.
Amado spoke highly of the progress achieved in bilateral
relations between Portugal and China.
Portugal and China have decided to establish an all-around
strategic partnership, Amado said, believing that the two countries
would promote cooperation in various fields, including the defense
sphere, in an effort to push forward the development of bilateral
ties.
(Xinhua News Agency January 19, 2006)
