On February 8, 2024, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Xi Jinping pointed out that over the past 45 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Portugal, guided by the principles of mutual respect, openness and inclusiveness, have properly resolved the question of Macao through friendly consultations, established a comprehensive strategic partnership in keeping with the trends of the times, jointly responded to the international financial crisis and global public health challenges, expanded mutually beneficial cooperation among businesses, advanced Belt and Road cooperation, promoted China-Europe relations, and upheld multilateralism, setting a vivid example of how countries should get along with each other. Xi Jinping said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Portugal relations and stands ready to work with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to chart the course for an ever-deepening China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership, deliver more benefits to the two peoples, promote the sound and steady development of China-Europe relations and contribute to world peace, stability and prosperity.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said that though geographically far apart, Portugal and China have always got along well with each other and maintained friendly exchanges in the political, economic, cultural and social fields. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have developed vigorously. The two countries have successfully achieved the smooth handover of Macao, jointly promoted the development of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation Between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), and actively carried out multilateral cooperation. Portugal is ready to make joint efforts with China to carry forward the friendship and promote greater development of bilateral relations.