Chinese Ambassador to Portugal Cai Run has said the Sino-Portuguese relationship is better than ever before, in view of the frequency of visits to each other’s country by senior political figures in China and Portugal, and the strength of their trust in each other.

A written statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Lisbon quotes Mr Cai as saying so at an embassy reception to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Portugal and the People’s Republic of China.

The report says 400 people attended the reception.

Mr Cai told them that China and Portugal were engaging in trade with and investment in each other, and were co-operating in energy, technology, maritime matters, finance, education, culture and tourism, benefitting Chinese and Portuguese alike.

He said new opportunities for development were arising and new areas for Sino-Portuguese co-operation were opening up.

China is now among the main economic partners of Portugal, which will continue to welcome Chinese investment, the Chinese Embassy statement quotes the deputy presiding officer of the Portuguese legislature, Jorge Lacão, as saying at the reception.