Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng says he “fully affirms” the role of the Portuguese community of Macao, describing it as “an essential part” of the territory,
He was speaking at a reception held on June 10 at the Portuguese School to mark the Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities.
According to a government handout, Macao’s top official said that the historic mix of Portuguese and Chinese cultures meant that the city was uniquely placed to facilitate exchanges between China, Portugal and the rest of the lusophone world, enhancing its place in the Greater Bay Area and strengthening its economic diversification.
Ho noted that the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries marked its 20th anniversary this year, and said he hoped it would be an opportunity to take business ties to a new level.
[See more: Portugal’s last governor says Lisbon has “a privileged knowledge” of China thanks to Macao]
The Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities – also known simply as Portugal Day – is observed annually, celebrating the national poet Luís de Camões and lusophone culture in general.
Though tensions are creeping into broader Sino-Portuguese relations over Ukraine and Lisbon’s decision to effectively bar Chinese technology from Portugal’s 5G network, Macao has been at pains to build bridges.
Ho visited Lisbon in April, holding talks with Portugal’s president, prime minister and foreign minister, as well as the mayor of Lisbon. He also had a meeting with China’s ambassador to Portugal and attended a high level business conference at which 11 cooperation agreements were signed.
