Not shying away from his fondness for China, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said his country stands ready to strengthen cooperation with China in the “Belt and Road” construction during a meeting with Yang Zhenwu, president of the People’s Daily, on Tuesday.

Calling the initiative “crucial to enhancing commercial exchanges between China and European countries,” Rebelo de Sousa noted that Portugal will strive to become a major stop on the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

Both countries are poised to benefit from the China-initiated “Belt and Road” strategy, especially the maritime Silk Road, and the EU-China Connectivity Platform, he pointed out.

“Port of Sines, as an important gateway to Europe, now has great opportunities to attract investment and seek Chinese partners,” addedRebelo de Sousa.

Applauding the past 10 years oftheir bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, the Portuguese head of state emphasized that China presents an important opportunity to Portugal.

“The vibrant Portugal-China relations have yielded fruitful results in politics, economy, culture, energy and other fields,” he said, adding that frequent mutual visits, bilateral cooperative agreements and mutual support in the international arena are all proof of the robust bilateral relationship.

He also suggested that enormous opportunities await through exploring and deepening bilateral or multi-lateral cooperation in the application of new technologies.

“Portugal and China can further tap into trilateral cooperation with other regions, especially African countries, and Portugal can extend its ‘geographic landscape’ and economic strength,” Rebelo de Sousa stressed.

He also called for closer cooperation in transportation facilities and port construction, intelligence sharing in energy and scientific research, and maritime collaboration.