President Murmu Commences State Visit to Portugal, Receives Ceremonial Welcome at Historic Praca do Imperio
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Synopsis
President Droupadi Murmu's State Visit to Portugal marks a significant diplomatic engagement, including ceremonial welcomes and visits to historic sites, enhancing ties between India and Portugal.
Key Takeaways
- President Murmu received a ceremonial welcome at Praca do Imperio.
- She visited significant historical sites, including the Church of Santa Maria.
- The visit strengthens India-Portugal relations amidst 50 years of diplomatic ties.
- High-level exchanges between India and Portugal have increased in recent years.
- Trade relations between the two countries are growing steadily.
Lisbon, April 7 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu commenced her State Visit to Portugal on Monday by visiting the Church of Santa Maria and laying a wreath at the tomb of Luis Vaz de Camoes, the national poet of Portugal.
Additionally, President Murmu explored the Monastery of Jeronimos, an exquisite example of 16th-century architecture in Portugal.
Earlier, she was warmly welcomed by Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the historic Praca do Imperio in Lisbon, where she received a ceremonial welcome accompanied by the Guard of Honour.
This State Visit, from April 7-8, was extended at the invitation of Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
A statement from the Portugal President's office emphasized, "President Murmu's visit highlights the crucial significance of the partnership between Portugal and India and will bolster the already close relations between the two nations."
President Murmu is undertaking historic State Visits to Portugal and the Slovak Republic, marking the first State visits by an Indian President to either nation in over 25 years. These visits aim to deepen India's diverse engagement with two key European Union partners.
During her time in Portugal, India and Portugal are anticipated to enhance their long-standing historical bonds, robust diaspora connections, and unique cultural affiliations.
This visit to Portugal comes after a hiatus of 27 years, coinciding with the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations. The last State Visit occurred in 1998 when President K. R. Narayanan visited Portugal.
"This visit is highly symbolic and significant... President Sousa visited India in 2020, while Prime Minister Antonio Costa visited India in 2019 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017. In recent years, there has been a remarkable exchange of high-level visits between India and Portugal, reflecting the strong engagement between our countries," stated Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) prior to President Murmu's departure.
India and Portugal enjoy historic and amicable bilateral relations that have progressed into a modern, multifaceted partnership characterized by robust growth and collaboration across various domains. This visit will further enhance and rejuvenate India's evolving relationship with Portugal.
In addition to engaging in delegation-level discussions with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President Murmu will meet with Prime Minister Luis Montenegro and the President of the National Assembly, Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco.
"An additional facet of the India-Portugal relationship is the India-EU partnership, which strengthens the overall India-EU ties. Notably, during Portugal's Presidency of the EU in 2000, the first India-EU summit was hosted there. Furthermore, in 2021, the inaugural India-EU Leaders' Summit took place under the Portuguese Presidency. Thus, this relationship plays a crucial role in bolstering the strategic partnership between India and the EU," remarked Secretary Lal.
Portugal was also the pioneer in Europe with whom India signed a Migration and Mobility Agreement.
"Business relations are robust, with trade amounting to around US$ 1.5 billion, experiencing a steady increase, including a 50 percent growth over the past five years. Areas of cooperation encompass renewable energy, IT, pharmaceuticals, education, tourism, and defense. Another aspect at the multilateral and regional levels is the association with the CPLP, the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, which includes nine members, with India as an associate member in the CPLP," the senior diplomat added.
From Portugal, President Murmu will proceed to Slovakia for the first visit by an Indian President in 29 years.
During her visit from April 9-10, President Murmu will engage with Slovakia President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico. She will also meet the Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Richard Rasi.
