Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met in Beijing Tuesday with Portuguese Foreign Minister Teresa Patricio Gouveia.  

Tang highly praised the Sino-Portuguese relations, saying the two countries have enjoyed the smooth development of bilateral relations and conducted effective cooperation in various areas since the establishment of diplomatic ties 25 years ago.

He expressed his hope that Portugal will play an active role in promoting the all-around development of Sino-Portuguese and Sino-European relations.

Gouveia said the Portuguese government values its relations with the Chinese government and will continue to adhere to the one-China principle.

Portugal is willing to make concerted efforts with China to boost development of friendly bilateral relations and relations between Europe and China, she said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2004)