Macao’s Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, stressed the importance the Special Administrative Region’s Government attaches to promoting co-operation and exchange with Portuguese-speaking Countries, Macao’s Government Information Bureau announced.

He made the remarks in a recent visit to Portugal and Cape Verde, where he met with China’s Ambassadors to both countries.

Speaking on Sunday in Lisbon to China’s Ambassador to Portugal, Huang Songfu, Mr Tam pledged to develop Macao’s key advantages as a platform for contributing to China’s development. In particular he mentioned the “One Belt, One Road” strategy defined by the Chinese Central Government.

Mr Huang recognised the Macao SAR’s efforts in promoting co-operation with Portuguese-speaking Countries.

The diplomat also noted the positive development of the relationship between China and Portugal in recent years, namely in economic, cultural and educational fields. He added Macao and Portugal could further co-operate by training qualified bilingual professionals proficient in Chinese and Portuguese.

Before meeting Mr Huang in Lisbon, Mr Tam paid a visit to Cape Verde and met Du Xiaocong, China’s Ambassador there. The diplomat said that, as the African country is focusing on developing education and tourism, there are new opportunities for co-operation between Macao and Cape Verde.