国内英语新闻:Chinese president concludes Portugal trip

LISBON, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao concluded his state visit to Portugal on Sunday and has left the Portuguese capital of Lisbon for home.

The president arrived in Lisbon on Saturday after a three-day state visit to France that began on Thursday.

In Lisbon, Hu had talks with Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva and met other Portuguese leaders, exchanging views on how to deepen bilateral pragmatic cooperation. Both sides also discussed major world and regional issues of common concern.

Hu and Silva agreed to work together to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) and Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates hold a joint press conference in Lisbon, Portugal, Nov. 7, 2010.

In France, Hu and his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy met for talks and agreed to make joint efforts to boost bilateral cooperation.

Hu said in the talks that since diplomatic ties were forged 46 years ago, the China-France relationship has been characterized by its strategic and global nature and its ability to move with the times.

The Chinese president called on both sides to continuously deepen mutual understanding by carrying out high-level visits and exchanges between governments, legislatures, political parties and regions.

Both countries should advance with the times, be creative in practical cooperation, expand trade and try to double their trade volume by 2015, he said.

During Hu's visit, China and France signed a host of cooperation agreements covering a wide range of areas, including nuclear energy, aviation, finance, energy efficiency, and environmental protection.

On Thursday, China and France issued a joint statement on strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The statement said the two countries should make a major contribution to peace, stability and development of the world, conform to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, promote multilateralism and respect the independent and sovereign choice for the development of each country.

Analysts said that the Chinese president's state visits to France and Portugal have promoted not only bilateral cooperation, but also the development of China-Europe ties.