Synopsis
During her groundbreaking State Visit to Portugal, President Droupadi Murmu engaged with Indian researchers, encouraging contributions to Viksit Bharat and commemorating 50 years of India-Portugal diplomatic relations.Key Takeaways
- President Droupadi Murmu meets with Indian scholars in Portugal.
- Encourages contributions to Viksit Bharat.
- Commemorates 50 years of India-Portugal relations.
- Visits Champalimaud Foundation for advanced research.
- Highlights the importance of bilateral cooperation.
Lisbon, April 8 (NationPress) During her historic State Visit to Portugal, which marks the first time an Indian President has visited in 27 years, President Droupadi Murmu engaged with over 60 Indian doctoral and post-doctoral researchers affiliated with various academic institutions across Portugal.
She encouraged these researchers to make valuable contributions towards Viksit Bharat.
Subsequently, President Murmu and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa paid their respects by laying floral tributes at the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi in Lisbon.
The two leaders also visited the Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon, where they jointly planted a 'camellia japonica' sapling to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Portugal.
Notably designed by the renowned Indian architect Charles Correa, the Champalimaud Foundation is at the forefront of advanced cancer and neuroscience research and collaborates with a Hyderabad institute. It hosts the largest number of international cancer patients from India.
The Foundation is dedicated to pioneering research that yields beneficial discoveries and sets new standards in knowledge. The Champalimaud Centre in Lisbon focuses on neuroscience and cancer research through comprehensive research programs and high-quality clinical services. It also runs an outreach initiative aimed at combating blindness.
During his 2017 visit to Portugal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa visited the Foundation, emphasizing the holistic health approach and engaging with Indian researchers at the facility.
On her visit, President Murmu received a warm welcome from President Sousa at the historic 'Praca do Imperio' in Lisbon, where she was accorded a ceremonial honor with the Guard of Honour.
Additionally, both presidents celebrated the launch of postage stamps commemorating five decades of diplomatic relations between their nations, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of both countries, featuring Rajasthan's unique Kalbeliya costume and the traditional dress of Viana do Castelo from Portugal.
President Murmu also discussed various bilateral relations and global issues of mutual interest with President Sousa during their one-on-one meeting and delegation-level talks.
In her address, President Murmu highlighted the historic ties between India and Portugal and emphasized the significance of strengthening their partnership in areas such as trade, investment, science and technology, IT and digital solutions, renewable energy, connectivity, and mobility.
