In May, the delegation of Academician Li Jiabiao, Director of the Institute, and Researcher Fang Yinxia, Chief of the Key Laboratory of Submarine Geoscience, paid a friendly visit to the Portuguese Geoscience Research Cooperative Association, Oceanic Observatory of Madeira, and the Portuguese Institute of Oceanography and Atmosphere, and signed the “Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Marine Research and Environment Field between SIO and the Portuguese Geoscience Research Cooperative Association” with the Portuguese Geoscience Research Cooperative Association.
      The Portuguese Geoscience Research Cooperative Association mainly comprises a number of Portuguese universities and research institutes mainly engaged in geoscience research, such as the University of Porto, the University of Lisbon and the University of Beira Interior. According to the memorandum of understanding signed this time, the two sides will carry out all-round cooperation on sea level changes, regional crustal movement, meteorological research, marine and environmental research and other aspects.
      At the Oceanic Observatory of Madeira, Director Li Jiabiao and his delegation inspected the marine observation station of this island and exchanged views with Professor Calderara, Director of the Center, on the scientific research work carried out by both sides and hot issues of common concern. They also fully discussed the co-construction and cooperative observation of the Madeira Island Ocean Observation Station in the next step. The two sides intend to conduct a joint Atlantic survey in due time to deepen their understanding in this area.
      At the Portuguese Institute of Oceanography and Atmosphere, Director Li Jiabiao and Director Miranda had a friendly conversation on scientific research and future cooperation between the two sides. Director Li Jiabiao invited Director Miranda to visit SIO in due time. The two sides reached a preliminary consensus on the signing of relevant research cooperation agreements between the two institutes.
      This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Portugal. Portugal is also the first Western European country to sign a memorandum of understanding on co-construction of “One Belt and One Road”. China and Portugal have established a “blue partnership”, and both attach great importance to strengthening cooperation in marine scientific research between the two countries. This is another visit by the scientists of our Institute to Portuguese marine research institutes, with the cooperation agreement signed, following the 2016 Sino-Portuguese Marine Science and Technology Forum. It is of great significance for practicing the marine science and technology exchange between the two sides and deepening the win-win cooperation of “One Belt and One Road”.