On behalf of President Jorge Sampaio and the government of Portugal, Lopes expressed warm welcome to Hu. He highly appraised China's achievements in economic development and its positive influence on Asia Pacific and world economy, indicating the Portuguese government wishes to constantly enhancing cooperation with China in various fields, encourages Portuguese government to invest in China and to actively participate in the building of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and 2010 World Expo in Shanghai. He said President Sampaio's upcoming visit to China in January next year will definitely promote further development of bilateral relations. He reiterated that the Portuguese government firmly adheres to the one-China policy and fully respects the stance and feelings of the Chinese government and people on the Taiwan question.

Hu said he was very delighted to stop over at Porto en route to Latin America. When talking about bilateral relations, Hu said China-Portugal relations have been developing smoothly since the two sides established diplomatic ties. With frequent exchange of visits by high-level leaderships and expanding political mutual trust, bilateral relations have entered into a new period of development in recent years. The two countries hold identical or similar views on many significant international issues and have maintained wonderful cooperation in international organizations like the United Nations. Bilateral trade volume has witnessed rapid growth and new development is expected to take place this year. Bilateral exchanges and cooperation in other areas have also been increasingly frequent. Hu indicated he is looking forward to welcoming President Sampaio in Beijing in January next year. He stressed that the Chinese side appreciated the firm adherence of the Portuguese government to the one-China policy and is committed to developing China-Portugal relations in an all-round manner. We would like to work with the Portuguese side to promote bilateral friendly and cooperative relations to a new high.

Hu also exchanged views with Lopes on China-EU relations, agreeing that China-EU relations remain robust and productive and bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, science, technology, culture and education are witnessing continuous developments. Both sides expressed their wish to promote further development of China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.

Hu also met with the working staff on the Chinese Embassy to Portugal on the same night.

Wang Gang, member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, and other officials attended the meeting. 

Hu arrived at Porto on the night of November 10 for a technical stopover en route to his four-nation tour to Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Cuba during which he will attend the 12^th APEC Leaders' Informal Meeting in Chile. Hu will leave Porto for Brazil on the morning of November 11.