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Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is displayed on screens during the opening ceremony of the third Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries in Macao, Nov 13, 2010. [Photo/Agencies] |
The strengthened cooperation those countries forged under the framework of the forum will contribute to the harmonious development of nations and the regions, Socrates said.
For his part, Jose Ramos-Horta, President of Timor Leste, said in his speech at the opening ceremony that when the first Ministerial Conference of the Forum took place in 2003, Timor Leste has benefited from Forum activity, in economic and trade cooperation, cooperation in human resources, intergovernmental and agricultural cooperation, and building infrastructure and attracting foreign direct investment.
Meanwhile, the excellent relations between Timor-Leste and China have deepened, both within the plan of aid for development and commercial relations, he also said.
Around 1,500 officials and representatives from China and the seven Portuguese-speaking countries participated in the conference, according to the secretariat of the forum.
Under the main theme "Diversified Cooperation, Harmonious Development", various activities will be held during the conference period, including the "Ministerial Conference" and the "Conference for Professionals in Finance".