Chinese President Xi Jinping has said his country is committed to raising its strategic partnership with Portugal to a new level, Xinhua reports.

The Chinese government-run news agency says Mr Xi said so in a message to Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa marking 40 years since Portugal and the People’s Republic of China established diplomatic relations.

Mr Xi said his recent visit to Portugal had set out new ways to develop the Sino-Portuguese relationship.

He said China attached great importance to the relationship.

Consistent effort, firm resolve and passion will strengthen the longstanding relationship between Portugal and China, Xinhua quotes Mr Sousa as telling Mr Xi in a reciprocal message.