President Droupadi Murmu Engages with Portuguese Parliament to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
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Synopsis
During her State Visit to Portugal, President Droupadi Murmu met with the President of the Portuguese Parliament, discussing various international issues and emphasizing the importance of enhancing bilateral relations. The meeting was marked by a ceremonial welcome and an exchange of cultural appreciation.
Key Takeaways
- President Droupadi Murmu's meeting with Portuguese Parliament aims to strengthen bilateral ties.
- Regular parliamentary exchanges are vital for enhancing people-to-people connections.
- Lisbon's cultural diversity and technological advancements were highlighted.
- 50 years of India-Portugal relations celebrated during this visit.
- Opportunities for cooperation in various sectors, including technology and culture.
Lisbon, April 8 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu engaged with Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco, the President of Assembleia Da Republica (Portuguese Parliament), during her ongoing State Visit to Portugal.
The leaders exchanged views on numerous bilateral and international matters. They agreed that frequent interactions between the Parliaments of India and Portugal would enhance the connection between their peoples.
Upon her arrival at the Assembleia Da Republica, President Murmu was given a ceremonial Guard of Honour and received a warm welcome from Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported, "President Droupadi Murmu had fruitful discussions with Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco. They explored avenues to strengthen India-Portugal relations. President Murmu also met Members of Parliament and engaged with the India-Portugal Parliamentary Friendship Group."
On Monday evening, President Murmu was honored with the 'City Key of Honour' from the Mayor of Lisbon at a ceremony held at the Lisbon City Hall.
During her address, the President expressed gratitude to the Mayor and the citizens of Lisbon for this recognition. She remarked that Lisbon is celebrated for its openness, cultural richness, and respect for diversity.
She expressed her delight in noting that Lisbon stands as a leading global city in technological advancements, innovation, digital public infrastructure, and digital transition. She emphasized that there are substantial opportunities for collaboration between India and Portugal in these domains.
President Murmu also participated in a banquet hosted in her honor by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the Palacio da Ajuda.
In her remarks at the banquet, President Murmu highlighted that the cultural connections between the two nations have deep historical roots, significantly influencing their collective heritage, including architecture, historical landmarks, languages, and culinary traditions.
"This year is particularly noteworthy as we mark 50 years of India-Portugal bilateral relations. With our inherent synergy and potential for collaboration across various sectors, our historic association is evolving into a vibrant and forward-looking partnership," she stated.
President Murmu expressed her satisfaction regarding the steady advancement of India-Portugal cooperation in diverse fields, such as science and technology, defense, IT, startups, research, education, and cultural exchange.
"As a knowledge-driven economy, India is leveraging its capabilities in sectors like science and technology, information and communication technology, digital public infrastructure, startups, and innovation to foster an inclusive and sustainable development model that serves everyone. India views Portugal as a critical partner in these endeavors," she noted.
Recognizing Portugal's pivotal role in fostering India's relations with the European Union, President Murmu remarked that it was during Portugal's EU Presidency that the inaugural India-EU Summit took place in 2000, and again under Portugal's leadership, the historic 'India-EU Plus 27 Leadership Summit' was held in May 2021.
President Murmu expressed her confidence that India-Portugal bilateral relations will continue to deepen and expand, benefitting not just the two nations but the global community.
