Macao and Portugal will create a network among secondary schools that develops bilateral co-operation in education and cultural exchange, the Portuguese Language and Education Sub-committee of the Macao-Portugal Joint Committee has said.

A series of twinning protocols will be established for secondary schools in Portugal, where Mandarin may be taught, and schools in Macao that teach Portuguese.

The network will serve as a platform to develop bilateral co-operation initiatives in fields such as education statistics, inclusive education, arts education, teacher training, school co-ordination and leadership, as well as promoting the Portuguese language.

Members of the Portuguese Language and Education Sub-committee met in Europe last month. They discussed the recognition of qualifications awarded in both jurisdictions and access to tertiary education in Portugal for students from Macao.