Portuguese President Satisfied With China TiesPortuguese President Jorge Sampaio Thursday voiced satisfaction with the development of Portuguese- Chinese ties, saying he is fully confident that the ties will see further development.Sampaio was holding talks with Zhang Wannian, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, who arrived here Thursday morning on a three-day official visit. Sampaio extended welcome to Zhang and expressed his appreciation to the achievements China has made in its economic development. Reaffirming Portugal's adherence to its One China policy, Sampaio praised the "one country, two systems" policy put forward by the Chinese government on reunification of motherland. Sampaio said he is pleased and satisfied with cooperation on the Macao issue between Portugal and China. Recalling his three meetings with Chinese President Jiang Zemin in the past three years, Sampaio said he is confident that the two countries will further develop ties between them. On his part, Zhang said that the successful visit to Portugal by President Jiang last October and the summit between Jiang and Sampaio in Macao last December have heralded good prospects for the further development of bilateral ties. Briefing Sampaio on the origin of the Taiwan issue, Zhang reaffirmed China's stance on the issue and expressed thanks to Portugal for its understanding of and support for such a stance. Chinese-Portuguese military ties have witnessed continuous development with the expansion of bilateral ties, Zhang said, adding that China is willing to work with the Portuguese side to strengthen military exchanges and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. Also present at the meeting were Portuguese Defense Minister Julio Castro Caldas and Xiong Guangkai, deputy chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Later Thursday, Zhang held talks with Caldas and they exchanged views on bilateral ties and issues of common concern. |
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