The President of the Portuguese Parliament, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, emphasized in Macau the territory’s strategic importance in fostering cultural and political ties between Portugal and the China.
After visiting Beijing and Shanghai, Aguiar-Branco arrived in Macau, where he met with the Chief Executive, Sam Hou Fai, and the President of the Legislative Assembly, André Cheong.
He described the visit as unique, highlighting that the parliamentary delegation includes representatives from five political parties and marks the first time such meetings have been held across Beijing, Shanghai, and Macau during a single trip.
According to Aguiar-Branco, this broad political representation reflects a shared national perspective on the importance of relations with China, with Macau serving as a key platform for bilateral engagement. He stressed that the region plays a crucial role not only in preserving historical ties but also in creating future opportunities for cooperation.
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“The meetings reflect confidence and a forward-looking approach,” he said, noting that the Portuguese Parliament has a responsibility to support and strengthen relations with China alongside the government’s foreign policy efforts.
The visit comes amid a renewed phase of in-person political engagement between Portugal and China following the pandemic, including a recent trip by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to Beijing in 2025.
During his stay, Aguiar-Branco also visited the Portuguese stand at the Macau International Travel Expo and the Portuguese School of Macau. He is scheduled to meet with the Portuguese community, inaugurate a cultural exhibition marking the April 25 Revolution, and travel onward to Hong Kong for further engagements.
