University of Macau Rector Song Yonghua has said collaboration with universities in the Portuguese-speaking Countries is central to the approach his university takes to the outside world.

A written statement issued by the university says Mr Song recently led a party representing his institution on a tour of Portugal, with a view to increasing cooperation with universities there.

Mr Song and University of Lisbon Rector António da Cruz Serra agreed that their institutions should collaborate more closely in clinical medicine, public health, dental surgery and psychiatry.

University of Coimbra Vice-Rector Cristina Albuquerque told Mr Song she was hopeful that their institutions would introduce programmes leading to dual degrees and conduct joint scientific research.

The Macao party also visited the University of Porto and the University of Minho, and had a meeting with Portuguese Science, Technology and Higher Education Minister Manuel Heitor.