The Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR), Sam Hou Fai, met last week at the Government Headquarters with Portugal's Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, Fernando Alexandre, to discuss the deepening of educational co-operation between Macao and Portugal in the fields of academic exchange, education, technological innovation and the training of qualified professionals.

During the meeting, Sam Hou Fai highlighted the development achieved by Macao since its return to the motherland, under the guidance of the "one country, two systems" principle, emphasising that the MSAR Government has sought to strengthen relations with Portugal, particularly in the areas of language, culture and law. The Chief Executive also expressed the intention to continue to value Macao's role as a platform connecting China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

In turn, Fernando Alexandre noted the transformations seen in Macao since its return to China and recognised the region's contribution to strengthening co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. The minister also emphasised that the vitality of the Portuguese language in the territory not only reinforces the historic friendly relationship between Macao and Portugal, but also reaffirms its strategic position as a Sino-Lusophone platform. Fernando Alexandre also expressed the hope that the MSAR Government would continue to support the Portuguese community in Macao, value the teaching and dissemination of the Portuguese language, and provide support to the Macao Portuguese School to enhance its development.

(Source: Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region, on 10 June)