Chinese prime minister affirms “pragmatic cooperation” between Portugal and China

Chinese prime minister Li Keqiang congratulated his Portuguese counterpart, António Costa, on the inauguration of the new government in Portugal, in a telephone conversation, according to a statement issued by the Chinese embassy in Lisbon.

In his congratulatory message, Li Keqiang said that in recent years, due to the “joint efforts” of both sides, the “pragmatic cooperation” between Portugal and China in “various fields” has achieved new results. “A new chapter has been written in the traditional friendship between the two countries,” Li said, according to the embassy note.

The Chinese pointed out that as “trusted partners and responsible members” of the international community, we should further consolidate mutual trust, expand cooperation, promote the development of the China – Portugal and China – European Union comprehensive strategic partnership, and actively contribute to the common welfare of China and Portugal”.

In another statement, the Chinese ambassador to Lisbon, Zhao Bentang, said that China “hopes to work with the new Portuguese government to further consolidate mutual political trust, enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and drive new and further development of bilateral relations.”

The statements were made during the “Portugal’s Recovery Plan and Business Opportunities” virtual seminar.