The Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR), Sam Hou Fai, recently met in Lisbon with the President of the Supreme Court of Justice of Portugal, João Cura Mariano, with whom he exchanged views on strengthening interconnection and promoting exchange and co-operation in the judicial area between Macao and Portugal, among other topics.

During the meeting, the Chief Executive stated that since the handover to China, Macao's courts have maintained good functioning, with judicial independence being widely recognised. In this context, he highlighted the relevant contribution of Portuguese magistrates serving in Macao. He also noted that the process of seconding two Portuguese judges to Macao is proceeding in an orderly manner, expressing his sincere gratitude to the President and the respective courts for their support.

Sam Hou Fai also emphasised that judicial co-operation between Macao and Portugal constitutes an essential component of bilateral relations, with particular importance for deepening high-level co-operation, and for promoting people-to-people exchanges and economic-commercial ties between both sides.

In turn, the President of the Supreme Court of Justice welcomed Sam Hou Fai and his delegation, expressing satisfaction at the opportunity for renewed exchanges. He highlighted Macao's historical connection to Portuguese-speaking countries, noting that the MSAR is a space where the European legal system and Chinese law coexist, as well as the continuity of the traditional legal system and the Portuguese language. He also recognised that Portugal and Macao have ample potential for co-operation in the judicial area, which can be strengthened in the future.

(Source: Government Information Bureau of the MSAR, on 22 April)