One of a number of heads of state not present today in Lisbon as President Seguro was sworn into office was China’s president Xi Jinping – but he sent a message through China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, congratulating the new institutional figurehead, and highlighting the “healthy and stable development” of relations between the two countries.
Like so many messages, this one said a great deal more than what was written on paper – particularly bearing in mind the geopolitical context.
Xi stressed that he “attributes great importance to the development of relations between China and Portugal” and expressed availability to work with the new president to reinforce cooperation and deepen the strategic bilateral partnership.
Says Lusa: “The Chinese leader pointed out that the two nations maintain a “deep traditional friendship” and, since the establishment of diplomatic relations 47 years ago, Beijing and Lisbon have upheld mutual respect and beneficial cooperation.
“Xi stressed that both countries have adequately resolved the issue of Macau and have maintained close coordination on international affairs”, Lusa concluded.
Source: LUSA
