The Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR), Sam Hou Fai, recently met with the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Portugal, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, at the Government Headquarters.

Sam Hou Fai welcomed the Portuguese official and his delegation, emphasising that the inclusion of Macao in his visit agenda to China demonstrates the continued deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Portugal, as well as Portugal's profound friendship towards Macao. He noted that the MSAR government delegation will visit Portugal in the middle of this month, with meetings planned involving a greater number of Portuguese officials and broader scope than ever before, which demonstrates the great importance attached to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding pragmatic co-operation between the two sides.

In turn, President José Pedro Aguiar-Branco stated that the "one country, two systems" principle has been successfully implemented in the MSAR, highlighting the achievements made and recognising Macao's efforts in preserving cultural diversity. The official also expressed his support for strengthening Macao's role as a bridging platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, contributing to the deepening of co-operation with the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP).

Aguiar-Branco further stated that he hopes to strengthen exchange and co-operation between China and Portugal through the Macao platform, emphasising the importance of a joint response to uncertainties in the international context. Finally, he welcomed the upcoming visit of the MSAR government delegation to Portugal, stating that it should contribute to raising the level of bilateral co-operation.

(Source: MSAR Government Information Bureau, on 11 April)