Next year will be a new milestone for China and Portugal, as it marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties between the two countries, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on May 18 during his visit in Lisbon.

China and Portugal enjoy ever-deepening exchanges in various areas, said Wang in remarks made when meeting with Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, adding that China is willing to cooperate with Portugal to safeguard openness in the world economy.

Simultaneously, China’s increasing investment will bring Portugal more opportunities for development in fields of finance, energy, transportation and so on, the president said.

During a meeting between Wang and Portugal’s Prime Minister Antonio Costa, the two agreed that China and Portugal have improved their relations over the last 40 years, evidenced by high-level exchanges and deepened political mutual trust.

Portugal will continue to cement its ties with China in an all-round way, said Costa.

Wang also met with his Portuguese counterpart Augusto Santos Silva on May 18.

China will continue to encourage investment in Portugal as the country shows an “open attitude” towards Chinese companies, Wang addressed the joint press conference after talks with Silva.

Portugal highly appreciates the Belt and Road Initiative, Silva said, adding that Portugal’s southern deepwater port of Sines could play an important role in the maritime route.