LISBON, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa on Wednesday welcomed European Parliament's approval of the new European Commission headed by German Ursula von der Leyen, saying he hopes to develop a "progressive agenda" through "close coordination" for the European Union.

"Congratulations to Ursula von der Leyen and the new European Commission team for today's election. We look forward to working in close coordination with you and the European Parliament to implement a progressive agenda for the European Union," Costa said in his tweet.

The prime minister has said he hoped to have a relationship "as close as possible and of great mutual collaboration" with the now elected European Commission President von der Leyen, according to Portuguese Lusa News Agency.

Earlier in the day, MEPs in Strasbourg gave a resounding endorsement to von der Leyen's new European Commission with 461 votes in favor, 157 against and 89 abstentions.

The European Council has to approve the Commission by a qualified majority before it takes office on Dec. 1. Enditem

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