President Jiang Zemin said during a meeting with visiting Macao Governor Vasco Rocha Vieira on November 23 that he is convinced there will be a smooth transition and transfer of power in Macao under the joint efforts of China and Portugal.

Jiang expressed appreciation for the good cooperation the two sides have maintained on the issue of Macao during the transitional period.

Recalling his visit to Portugal last month, Jiang said he and Portuguese leaders all look forward to a bright prospect for sustainable and stable development of bilateral relations in the new millennium, following the successful resolution of the Macao issue left over from the past.

Vieira, who arrived here Monday on a three-day official visit to Beijing prior to the return of Macao to its motherland on December 20, described Jiang's visit to Portugal as a success that left behind a deep impression among the people and leaders of Portugal.

He said that fruitful results have been realized on transitional Macao issues as the two sides have maintained mutual respect, and handled transitional affairs in a responsible manner.

The governor pledged that the Portuguese side will strive for a smooth handover in Macao, and make efforts for the further development of friendly relations with China.

Jiang and Vieira agreed that a successful transfer of power will be realized because the Macao issue has been well handled.

Liao Hui, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, and Wang Yingfan, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, held talks with Vieira earlier on separate occasions on issues concerning the final period of transition in Macao. (PD-Xinhua)