Beijing, 24 November (IANS). Chao Lechi, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, paid a three-day visit to Portugal from November 21 to 23 to enhance bilateral relations.
Invited by José Aguirre Branco, Speaker of the Portuguese Parliament, Chao held high-level discussions with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and Parliament Speaker Branco. During this, the importance of cooperation and mutual understanding was emphasized.
During his meeting with Portuguese President de Sousa, Chao highlighted recent progress in China-Portugal relations. He credited the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries for advancing the Belt and Road Initiative and promoting dynamic cultural exchanges. Chao expressed hope that Portugal would play a constructive role in the European Union. This will further strengthen China-EU relations.
At the same time, President de Sousa also exchanged sentiments, calling China a reliable friend of Portugal. He stressed Portugal’s keenness to deepen relations through high-level exchanges, particularly in trade, renewable energy, blue economy initiatives and the digital economy. De Sousa also stressed the importance of enhancing EU-China dialogue, pledging Portugal’s active support.
Meanwhile, in talks with Portuguese Parliament Speaker Branco, Chao underlined the Chinese NPC’s commitment to strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation. He proposed expanding exchanges at all levels, including special committees and local assemblies, to share legislative experiences and ensure legislative support for bilateral cooperation in various fields.
Branco expressed the Portuguese Parliament’s enthusiasm for fostering deeper ties with China’s NPC, emphasizing practical cooperation and promoting people-to-people exchanges.
(Courtesy—China Media Group, Beijing)
–IANS
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