The Impressive TimesLisbon, April : On the final day of her state visit to Portugal, President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu held high-level meetings with top Portuguese leadership and addressed the Indian community in Lisbon before departing for the Slovak Republic.
President Murmu met with the President of the Assembleia da República (Portuguese Parliament), H.E. José Pedro Aguiar-Branco. Both leaders stressed the importance of regular parliamentary exchanges to enhance people-to-people ties between India and Portugal.
The President also held bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of Portugal, H.E. Mr. Luis Montenegro. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in key sectors such as trade and commerce, defence, science and technology, and energy. Both sides expressed confidence in the growing potential of India-Portugal relations.
Earlier, President Murmu, accompanied by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, visited the renowned Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon. She reviewed advancements in neuroscience, oncology, experimental clinical research, and automated medicine delivery. The President interacted with Indian researchers and scholars working at the Foundation and other institutions across Portugal, commending their contributions to scientific collaboration between the two countries.
During her cultural engagements, President Murmu paid floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi in Lisbon. She also visited the Radha-Krishna Temple and offered prayers.
In her final engagement in Portugal, the President addressed members of the Indian community at a reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Portugal. She was accompanied by Minister of State Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya and Members of Parliament Shri Dhaval Patel and Smt. Sandhya Ray.
Speaking to the enthusiastic gathering, President Murmu said that the Indian community in Portugal reflects the diversity of India and embodies the shared democratic values between the two nations. She lauded their achievements and described them as “true ambassadors of India.” The President also thanked the Portuguese government for supporting and welcoming the Indian diaspora.
She reiterated the Government of India’s commitment to the welfare of Indians abroad, stating that Indian Missions are always ready to assist citizens in times of need.
Following the community reception, President Murmu departed for the Slovak Republic, the next leg of her three-nation tour.
No Comments: