President Receives ‘City Key of Honour’ in Lisbon, Highlights Growing India-Portugal Partnership.
Attends Banquet Hosted by President of Portugal, Celebrates 50 Years of Bilateral Relations.
New Delhi:
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, was awarded the ‘City Key of Honour’ of Lisbon City by the Mayor of Lisbon during a ceremony at the City Hall of Lisbon on Monday.
In her speech, the President expressed gratitude to the Mayor and people of Lisbon, acknowledging the city’s reputation for its open-mindedness, cultural warmth, and respect for diversity. She noted Lisbon’s role as a global hub for technological change, innovation, and digital transition, and emphasized the potential for increased cooperation between India and Portugal in these areas.
Later that evening, the President attended a banquet hosted by the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, at Palacio da Ajuda. In her remarks at the event, the President highlighted the deep cultural ties between the two nations, spanning centuries. She mentioned the shared history reflected in architecture, languages, and cuisines, further strengthening the bond between India and Portugal.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of India-Portugal bilateral relations, and the President expressed optimism about the future of this partnership. She emphasized the steady growth of cooperation in various fields, including science and technology, defence, IT, start-ups, and education.
As India continues to build a knowledge-based economy, focusing on areas such as digital infrastructure and innovation, the President stated that Portugal is a key partner in these efforts. She also praised Portugal’s role in advancing India’s relations with the European Union, noting significant milestones such as the first India-EU Summit in 2000 and the “India-EU Plus 27” Leadership Summit in 2021, both held under Portugal’s EU Presidency.
The President concluded by expressing confidence that the India-Portugal partnership will continue to grow, benefiting both nations and contributing to global progress.
