Having concluded his two-day official visit to the Czech Republic, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council of China arrived in Lisbon, capital of Portugal by his special plane, kicking off his official visit to Portugal

Having concluded his two-day official visit to the Czech Republic, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council of China left Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, for Lisbon, capital of Portugal by his special plane on December 9, 2005. Upon arrival, Wen was warmly welcomed by top Portuguese officials including Manuel Pinho, Minister of Economy and Innovation and Oliveira, Diplomatic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Portugal, the working staffs of the Chinese Embassy in Portugal, the representatives of Chinese-funded agencies, overseas Chinese students and local Chinese.

In his written speech at the airport, Premier Wen said, "at the invitation of Prime Minister Jose Socrates, I am very delighted to pay a visit to Portugal, this beautiful country. I would like to take this opportunity to convey my cordial greetings and best wishes to the Portuguese people."

Premier Wen noted, "although located afar, the two countries have a long history of exchanges. The two peoples hold friendly feelings toward each other. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1979, the bilateral relationship has been moving ahead. The successful resolution of the Macao issue in 1999 opened a new page for the comprehensive growth of bilateral relations. Mutual political trust has been consolidated and remarkable progress has been achieved with the cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, science, technology and culture in recent years. Bilateral relations are demonstrating an unprecedented momentum of growth, for which we are pleased. Both China and Portugal are in a very important stage of development. Deepening and enriching the cooperative relationship of friendship between China and Portugal in every area conforms to the fundamental interest of both sides."

He further said, "I am expecting to have an in-depth exchange of views with the leaders of your country on further deepening the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Portugal in every area, and conduct extensive contacts with the people from all walks of life in a bid to enhance mutual understanding, expand consensuses and create a beautiful future of China-Portugal cooperation. I am convinced that this visit will be a complete success."