Macao's role in Sino-Portuguese relationship highlighted

Macao and Portugal today re-affirmed the Special Administrative Region's role in promoting Sino-Portuguese relationship. This was emphasised by Macao's Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, and Portugal's Prime Minister, Mr José Sócrates, when they met the press after a meeting. Mr Ho told the press that Mr Sócrates' visit carried historic significance, as Mr Sócrates was the first Prime Minister of Portugal to visit Macao since the establishment of the SAR in 1999. Moreover, Macao was the last stop of Mr Sócrates' China visit, highlighting the SAR's role as a business and trading platform between China and Portugal. Mr Ho said the Prime Minister's visit would push forward the strategic partnership between China and Portugal, enabling Macao to play a more important role in promoting Sino-Portuguese relationship. He said that the relationship between Macao and Portugal would enter a new phase. For his part, Mr Sócrates said the achievements of his visit to China were satisfactory, promoting Sino-Portuguese relationship politically and economically. He said Portugal attached great importance to Macao's role as Portugal's gateway to China, as well as China's gateway to Portugal, Africa and Brazil. He also thanked Macao's efforts in promoting trade relation between China and Portugal. Before meeting with the Chief Executive, Mr Sócrates visited the Macau Tower and the Portuguese School of Macao. He also attended the opening of the Portugal – Macau Economic and Business Cooperation Forum 2007.