Visiting Chinese President Jiang Zemin met in Lisbon Wednesday with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres.

The Prime Minister said that China is one of the most ancient countries of civilization in the world. China and European Union are important forces in current world.

The Prime Minister said that one important content of Portugal's foreign policy is to push forward actively the development of economic and political relations between China, Portugal and EU, which, he said, is important for correcting the unbalance in the process of globalization and curbing some kind of force becoming hegemonist in the world.

Guterres, reaffirming that Portugal and EU support China's accession to the World Trade Organization as soon as possible, promised that Portugal will exert its effort in strengthening the

cooperation in all fields between EU, Portugal and China when Portugal will be the rotating chairman of EU in the first half of next year.

He stressed that after Macao's return to China, the future Macao SAR will become a bridge linking the relationship between Portugal, EU and China.

The Chinese President said that since diplomatic ties were established, both sides have promoted exchange and cooperation in all fields according to the principle of mutual respect and mutual benefit, and bilateral relationship has enjoyed continuous development.

High level contacts have increased especially in recent years, which has made important contributions to deepen mutual understanding and expand cooperation, Jiang said.

The Chinese President expressed appreciation of the Prime Minister for the beneficial work he has done for the bilateral relationship, hoping that he will continue his effort as usual in his new term of office.

The Chinese President pointed out it is the 20th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between China and Portugal this year, and Macao will return to China within the year.

"I believe that along with the smooth settlement of the Macao issue, the friendly relations between the two countries, through joint efforts of both sides, will surely enjoy sound and stable development in the next century" Jiang said.

After the smooth transition and handover of Macao, Jiang said, it will definitely play the role of being a bridge for the relationship between China and Portugal and EU.

Jiang said cooperation between the two countries on Macao is good, and he hopes that the two countries will continue their efforts to solve remaining issues.

"The facts over the past two years of Hong Kong's return are enough to demonstrate that China will undoubtedly do a good job in implementing the 'one country, two systems', 'governing Macao by Macao people' and high level of self administration over Macao," Jiang said.

On relationship between China and Europe, Jiang said, the development of relationship between China and EU and its member states has enjoyed a good tendency. Political consultation and dialogue at all levels are fruitful.

The Chinese President said his state visits to Britain, France and Portugal display the fact that China attaches importance to the development of relationship with EU nations.

China and EU have important influence over international affairs and China hopes that EU will play a constructive role in safeguarding world peace and promoting common development, Jiang said.

The Chinese President pointed out that his three-nation European visit makes him feel deeply that next century will undoubtedly be one of multi-polarization, which is beneficial to

guaranteeing world peace, stability and development.

He called on far-sighted politicians in the world to make positive efforts for the realization of this goal.