
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Portugal is expected to expand pragmatic cooperation between China and Portugal under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), said Portuguese experts who look forward to the opportunity to deepen bilateral relations in various fields.
President Xi is scheduled to pay a state visit to Portugal from Dec. 4 to 5. It will be the first state visit by a Chinese head of state to Portugal in eight years and also the first visit to Portugal since Xi took office as Chinese president.
The prospect for future cooperation between Portugal and China is promising, said Dr. Fernanda Ilheu, president of the New Silk Road Friends Association, adding that Xi’s visit will promote cooperation in various fields, including the marine economy, aviation, clean energy, and university cooperation.
Portugal is an important partner in the construction of the BRI and one of the founding members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Through Xi’s visit, Portugal can explore more possibilities for cooperation with China under the BRI framework, said Dr. Paulo Duarte, a researcher and lecturer at the University of Minho. He stressed that with the rise of protectionism, Portugal and the EU should adopt a more positive attitude toward the BRI.
China is Portugal’s largest trading partner in Asia, while Portugal is one of the main destinations for Chinese investment within the European Union (EU). Bilateral trade value between China and Portugal reached about $5.6 billion in 2017.
The friendship and cooperation between Portugal and China go back 100 years, said Dr. Maria Teresa de Salter Cid Gon?alves Rocha Pires, Director of the University of Lisbon’s Confucius Institute, adding that relations between the two countries are deepening in all aspects.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses