China is willing to make concerted efforts with Portugal to keep bilateral relations developing, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said in Beijing Tuesday.  

In talks with Portuguese counterpart Teresa Patricio Gouveia, Li said that bilateral relations had developed well since the establishment of diplomatic relations 25 years ago, and with joint efforts, the Macao issue had been smoothly resolved.

In recent years, the two countries' political relations had further consolidated, with increasingly closer exchanges and cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, science and technology, culture and education, Li said.

The two countries also maintained good cooperation in the United Nations and other international organizations, and the Chinese side appreciated the Portuguese government's adherence to the one-China policy, Li said.

Gouveia said the Portuguese government attached importance to developing relations with China, with the hope of further cooperation in politics, economy and trade, culture, science and education and tourism.

Gouveia said that the Portuguese government would abide by the one-China policy and oppose any unilateral statements or actions undermining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.

She expressed her appreciation that the principles of "one country, two systems" and "Macao people governing Macao" had been implemented smoothly in Macao, and commended Macao's development since its return to China.

The two ministers exchanged views on international issues of common interest.

Following the talks Li and Gouveia signed an agreement on establishing a consultation mechanism between the two foreign ministries.

Gouveia is making the visit at Li's invitation.

(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2004)