国内英语新闻:New page in China-Portugal relations

Portuguese Prime Minister Socrates said his country gives priority to the development of relations with China.

Portugal and China not only have good political ties, but also maintain good cooperation in other fields, he said, adding that the two sides are facing many chances and challenges for further cooperation.

Socrates said Portugal is willing to continue to play an active role in boosting economic and trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-spoken countries and make efforts to enhance China's cooperation and exchanges with the EU.

He also said that Portugal is willing to join hands with China to push ahead the comprehensive strategic partnership.

During his meeting with Gama, the parliament speaker, Hu said exchanges and cooperation between legislatures are an important part of bilateral relations.

Hu said he hopes that the Portuguese parliament would continue to play an active role in promoting the development of bilateral relations.

Hu also said that the Communist Party of China is willing to further enhance ties with all the political parties in Portugal.

Gama said the Portuguese parliament has maintained good contacts and exchanges with the National People's Congress of China and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's political advisory body.

The Portuguese parliament is keen to promote the development of bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership and all the political parties in Portugal are willing to enhance their ties with the Communist Party of China, he said.

President Silva said Hu's visit would surely push ahead bilateral cooperation in various fields and turn a new page of bilateral ties.