Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao
and Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates signed in
Lisbon?on Friday a joint statement on enhancing bilateral
ties, in which both sides agree to set up an all-round strategic
partnership.
The joint statement, issued after the two leaders held formal
talks, blueprints six fields for China and Portugal to develop the
all-round strategic partnership, namely, political dialogue;
economic cooperation; cooperation in language, culture and
education, cooperation in science; judicial cooperation and
exchanges among health care departments.
As for political dialogue, China and Portugal agree to arrange
more high-level visits and contacts, including visits of state and
governmental heads and annual ministerial meetings.
Portugal reiterates that it adheres to the one-China
policy?in the joint statement.
The statement says Portugal will continue to exert efforts to
push forward the lifting of arms embargo against China by the
European Union (EU), and it will spare no efforts to make the EU
recognize China's market economy status.
In economic cooperation, China and Portugal vow to continue
efforts to create good conditions for investment in each other, and
encourage small and medium-sized enterprises from both countries to
increase contacts and communication.
China and Portugal also vow to take various means to boost
tourism cooperation.
As for education and culture, China and Portugal signed an
agreement on recognizing each other's diploma and academic
degrees.
The joint statement also says both countries will strengthen
cooperation in cultural exchange, science cooperation, judicial
cooperation and exchanges among medical care departments.
(Xinhua News Agency December 10, 2005)
