Chinese Vice-Premier Qian Qichen and visiting Governor of Macao Vasco Joaquim Rocha Vieira agreed on November 23 that Chinese President Jiang Zemin's successful visit to Portugal recently will push forward Sino-Portuguese bilateral ties.

They also agreed that the visit was of great significance for the smooth transition and transfer of power in Macao.

When the transfer ceremony is held in Macao, the heads of state of China and Portugal will meet again, Qian said, adding that according to the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, Macao will enjoy a smooth transition.

This satisfactory solution of the Macao issue will not only set a good example for the settlement of historical problems between countries, but will bring bright prospects for the development of Sino-Portugese friendly ties, Qian noted.

He added that after the return of Macao, the Chinese government will firmly carry out the policies of "one country, two systems," and Macao people governing Macao with a high degree of autonomy.

Qian said that Macao will continue to play a role in promoting contacts between China and European countries.

The government of the Macao Special Administrative Region will also protect the interest of the Portuguese people in Macao in accordance with the Macao Basic Law, he noted.

He expressed the hope that the Macao government will pay more attention to the issue of public security to ensure the smooth transfer of power, and said the Chinese side will offer sufficient support in this regard.

Vieira responded by saying that the Macao government will improve public order by effectively cracking down on organized crime and cooperating with public security departments of China.

He said that he will make efforts to ensure the smooth transition and transfer of power in Macao by handling the issues during the transition period with a responsible attitude.

He called the cooperation between Portugal and China on the transition of power as good, saying that the leaders of the two countries have been paying great attention to it.

The governor also said he was optimistic about Macao's future after the transfer of power.