The visits has succeeded in strengthening relations and reinforce Macau's role as a gateway between China and Europe, Chief Executive Edmund Ho concluded his four-day visit to the European Union and Belgium today (22).

Edmund Ho said that the meetings in the last four days have deepened the understanding of Europe about the recent development of Macau and its special advantages to serve as a gateway between China and Europe.

He said that Macau has conditions to link Europe and China, especially the Pearl River Delta, adding that the SAR Government has taken much effort in this direction and has made progress in trade promotions.

Concerning the meeting with European Commission President Romano Prodi, Edmund Ho reaffirmed that the SAR Government is willing to create conditions for the establishment of European Studies Institutions in Macau and hope that the project could be achieved through mutual cooperation.

The Chief Executive completed his four-day visit to the European Union and Belgium today after paying courtesy calls on the Crown Prince Philippe and Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck, Deputy Secretary of State to Foreign Affairs Ministry of Belgium.

During the visit, he had also met with Christopher Patten, European Commissioner Responsible for External Relations and Antonio Vitorino, European Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs.