Cooperation between the mainland and Portugal is “stronger and stronger” in many areas and the relationship between the countries is developing fast, the Portuguese news agency Lusa reports, quoting a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry said bilateral cooperation includes trade, investment, energy, oceans, education, culture and finance.

“In the last few years, the relations [between China and Portugal] have registered a rapid development, with frequent visits and exchanges, from both sides, as well as a strengthening of political trust and the protection of mutual interests,” the report says.

The remarks were published ahead of a visit by Portugal’s Prime Minister António Costa.

Mr Costa’s visit begins tomorrow in Beijing, where he will meet President Xi Jinping, before visiting Shanghai and Macao.