Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates?in Lisbon?on Sunday, exchanging views on the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) meets with Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates in Lisbon, capital of Portugal, Nov. 7, 2010. [Li Xueren/Xinhua]

Hu said that there is a good momentum in the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Portugal, with frequent exchanges of high-level visits and increased mutual trust in politics between the two countries.

Both countries saw a rapid growth in their economic and trade cooperation, fruitful exchanges in the fields of culture, education,science and technology, and the judicial affairs, as well as good coordination on regional and international affairs, he said.

China is willing to foster friendly cooperation with Portugal, develop mutual respect politically, carry out economic cooperation, learn from each other in culture, and constantly push forward the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, he said.

The Chinese president stressed that pragmatic cooperation between China and Portugal is an important basis for the sustainable development of their bilateral ties.

He noted that the two sides should promote their cooperation in the following key aspects.

First, tapping cooperation potential to deepen bilateral economic and trade ties, including bringing into full play the joint economic and trade commission to provide more cooperation channels and platforms for enterprises between the two countries.

Second, giving full play to the advantages of the two countries and exploring new areas.

Third, strengthening people-to-people and cultural exchanges to enhance the bilateral friendship.

Hu also hoped that Portugal can play an active role in furthering the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Europe.

Socrates fully agreed with Hu's remarks on the development of bilateral ties and spoke highly of the significance of Hu's state visit to Portugal.

The Portuguese prime minister said that Portugal gives priority to the development of ties with China in its foreign policies.

Portugal and China not only have good political ties, but also maintain good cooperation in other fields, he said.

Socrates noted that Portugal is willing to continue to play an active role in boosting economic and trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-spoken countries, and make efforts to enhance China's cooperation and exchanges with the European Union.

After the meeting, the two countries signed a set of cooperation agreements.