Former Portuguese Prime Minister Anibal Cavaco Silva said that he is confident of Macao's future and that Macao will continue to serve as a strong link between the Chinese and Portuguese people after its return to China.

In an interview with Chinese reporters, Silva, who signed the Sino-Portugese Joint Declaration on the Question of Macao in 1987, said the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping's concept of "one country, two systems" plays a decisive role in the settlement of the Macao issue.

He said the concept ensures the continuity of Macao's current political and economic systems for at least 50 years, which is of crucial importance to the creation of an atmosphere of trust, the insurance of social stability and economic development in the territory.

Believing that the solution to the historical problem according to the joint declaration conforms to the interests of China, Portugal and Macao itself, he added, it is thereby welcomed by the local residents in Macao and has won broad recognition from all parties in Portugal.

Silva was Portuguese prime minister from 1985 to 1995, during which he twice visited China. He said he not only signed the historical document of joint declaration but also witnessed Macao's smooth transition in his capacity as prime minister.

Reflecting on the negotiation on the Macao's issue, Silva said that it was no easy job to secure a successful solution to the 450- year-old issue. Although some problems, even difficulties, surfaced in the process, the Chinese and Portuguese negotiators were mutually respectful and worked to maintain friendly cooperation.

The successful settlement of the Macao issue, he said, has set a good example for the international community.

Speaking of Macao's future, Silva said the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) will be born in a few days. "I welcome it and pin great hope on it."

Macao is not only a window of China's opening to the outside world but also an ideal gateway through which Portugal and other European countries can get to China and other Asian countries.

He said he is sure the industrial and cultural circles in Macao have stronger confidence in Macao than 15 or 20 years ago, and believed, after Macao's return to China, the Sino-Portugese ties will forge ahead as always.

The former prime minister, who is now holding several posts and has an office in the central bank, said he will attend the grand ceremony on Macao and sincerely wishes the Macao SAR a great success.