Beijing, December 8th—Qian Hongshan, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with José Augusto Duarte, Portuguese Ambassador to China.

Qian positively spoke of China-Portugal relations and the results of bilateral cooperation in various fields, and briefed on the spirit of the fifth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee. He said, the Chinese side will continue to deepen reforms, expand opening-up, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation with Portugal and the European Union (EU). The CPC is willing to strength exchanges with friendly parties in Portugal and push China-Portugal relations and China-EU relations for constant development.

Duarte spoke highly of the achievements of China's reform and opening-up and the successful practice of "One country, Two systems" in Macao. He said, Portugal-China friendly cooperation enjoys a time-honored friendship and both sides enjoy sound political mutual trust. The Portuguese side is willing to work with the Chinese side to continuously expand cooperation fields and benefit the two peoples. Portugal will assume the rotating presidency of the EU in the first half of 2021 and is willing to actively promote the development of EU-China relations.

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