Premier Li meets with Portuguese PM Antonio Costa in Beijing

World Today

China PortugalPortugal’s Prime Minister Antonio Costa, left, shakes hands with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang after a joint press conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Sunday Oct. 9, 2016. (Naohiko Hatta/Pool via AP)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang held a welcoming ceremony for his Portuguese counterpart today in China’s capital.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of eight collaborative projects after holding talks. The agreements cover areas such as energy, healthcare, infrastructure, and culture.

CCTV’s Wang Tongxuan has more from Beijing about the growing trade ties between the two countries.

Centuries ago, Lisbon was a key port along maritime routes between China and Europe.

And now, Portugal and China want to revive that relationship.

Portugal’s prime minister says the country will play a full role in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Economic and trade relations between the two have grown sharply over the last few years.

Portugal is now China’s fourth largest investment destination in Europe after the UK, Germany, and France.

Premier Li and his counterpart are set to speak at the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

At today’s press conference, Portugal’s prime minister also announced the launch of a direct flight from Beijing to Lisbon starting June next year, paving the way for better connectivity.