Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio (L) meets with Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, in Lisbon, capital of Portugal, Sept. 8, 2004. (Xinhua Photo/Ma Zhancheng)

    LISBON, Sept. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio met here late Wednesday with a senior Chinese leader on promoting cooperation between the two countries.

    The president also discussed some international issues of common concerns with Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

    Calling China and Portugal friendly countries, Jia said the twosides have no fundamental conflict of interests although they have different social systems, historical backgrounds and cultural traditions.

    He said the two countries have conducted friendly cooperation in various fields on the principle of mutual respect and mutual benefit since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1979. The two countries have also solved the Macao issue smoothly, he noted.

    Currently, the two countries enjoy a solid political relationship, with ever-expanding cooperation and exchanges in the fields of economy, culture, education, science and technology, he said.

    Jia also said the Chinese government attaches great importance to the Sino-Portuguese ties and is willing to further boost top-level exchanges and tap the potential for greater trade and economic cooperation.

    For his part, Sampaio said Portugal and China enjoy a close relationship and the settlement of the Macao issue was a successful example of the practice of "one country, two systems."

    The president said the two countries have so far held a varietyof activities to mark the 25th anniversary of their establishment of diplomatic relations, which falls on this year.

    Sampaio spoke highly of China's positive role in safeguarding world peace and stability, saying Portugal appreciates China's efforts to solve the Korean nuclear issue.

    Jia arrived in Portugal Tuesday for a three-day official good-will visit. On Wednesday, Jia and his entourage visited the AmorimGroup in northern Portugal, a leading cork processing enterprise in the world. Enditem