Premier Li Keqiang and visiting Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa met the press together at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Oct 9.

Premier Li outlined the results of their meeting to the press, saying China and Portugal, as two countries enjoying extensive common interests, would continue to enhance political mutual trust and strengthen people-to-people exchanges.

The two sides will further improve trade and investment, and promote cooperation in key areas such as infrastructure construction, automobile making, agricultural products, and energy, especially new energy, the Premier said.

He added that the two sides would work together to exploit the third-party market and promote cooperation in technology, combining China’s market potential and advantages in equipment manufacturing with Portugal’s advanced technology.

In response to a question about Macao SAR development and the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, the Premier said that since Macao’s return 17 years ago, the policies of “one country, two systems” and “Macao people administering Macao” with a high degree of autonomy had been fully implemented.

The central government strictly follows basic law and firmly supports the SAR government to administer according to law. With the joint efforts of the Macao SAR government and all walks of life, Macao has scored remarkable achievements in development, Premier Li said.

The Premier added that in the past 13 years, the China-Portugal forum had played an important role in strengthening trade and cultural exchanges between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

The Premier also said the two nations should continue to promote this multilateral mechanism to improve cooperation between the two countries.

Costa said Portugal is willing to intensify cooperation with China through Macao and the forum, especially in new energy, auto production, and third market cooperation.

The prime minister said Portugal, with its unique geographical location, stands ready to take part in the Belt and Road initiative, and expand cooperation with China in ports, railways, and other infrastructure projects to promote relations between China and EU countries.