Yang Jiechi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with Portuguese Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva on Monday, with both officials pledging to boost bilateral ties between the two countries.

Hailing the development of ties over recent years, Yang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said China stands ready to work with Portugal to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries to consolidate political trust and tap potential for continuous cooperation.

The comments came before the two sides prepare to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on Feb. 2.

China will make joint efforts with Portugal to boost cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and lay a more solid foundation for the two countries to elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership in a new era, Yang said.

Silva said the Portuguese side, attaching great importance to its relationship with China, will deepen exchanges and cooperation with the country in various fields, and enhance communication and coordination with the Chinese side in international affairs to jointly safeguard multilateralism.