On February 8, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Portuguese counterpart Anibal Cavaco Silva exchanged congratulatory messages to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In his message, Hu said that China-Portugal relations have developed smoothly since the establishment of diplomatic ties 30 years ago. At the end of the last century, the two countries resolved the issue of Macao through friendly consultations, laying a good foundation for the development of China-Portugal relations in the new century. China appreciates Portugal's adherence to the one-China policy, its stance of making the development of ties with China one of the priority targets in the country's diplomatic policy and its move of actively promoting China-Europe relations. The establishment of the China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership in 2005 opened a new chapter in their relations, Hu said in his message.

Despite the difference in their national situation, China and Portugal have no fundamental conflicts of interest and share identical or similar views and broad common interests in safeguarding world peace and promoting common development. China attaches importance to Portugal's role in the European Union and international affairs and is willing to work together with the country in enhancing exchanges and cooperation, boosting trust and friendship, and constantly enriching the content of bilateral relations in order to push their comprehensive strategic partnership to a new high, the message said.

Silva said in his message that the past 30 years have been very important in the histories of the two countries. Both sides ensured the smooth transition of Macao through friendly cooperation. The building of the China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership in 2005 creates conditions for their mutually beneficial cooperation on a broader range. In the context of the complex, volatile international situation, it is of great significance for the two countries to further strengthen cooperation. Portugal will work with China to face the future of bilateral relations with confidence and vigor.

On the same day, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi also exchanged congratulatory messages with their Portuguese counterparts Jose Socrates and Luis Amado respectively.