In the presence of the Minister of Social Solidarity, several Secretaries of State and the President of AICEP, the Vice-Prime Minister, Paulo Portas, stated that the attribution of the IPDAL – Vista Alegre Prize represents, more than a recognition, an incentive to his work as ruler of Portugal.

The Vice-Prime Minister praised the Institute’s work and the way in which IPDAL’s initiatives translate into a strengthening of business, institutional and diplomatic relations between Portugal and Latin America.

It was during the Institute’s eighth anniversary reception, on January 28, 2014, that IPDAL distinguished Paulo Portas and Ambassador Luísa Bastos de Almeida with the IPDAL – Vista Alegre Prize.

During his speech, Paulo Portas recalled the importance of Latin America for Portugal and the notable growth in political and commercial exchanges between our country and the region.

Ambassador Luísa Bastos de Almeida praised the work of IPDAL as an essential agent in dialogue with Latin America and responsible, not only, for increasing the region’s notoriety in Portugal, but also for promoting Portuguese companies in Latin American countries.

The ceremony took place at Grémio Literário in Lisbon and received wide media coverage and live broadcasts from the main Portuguese television stations.

During the IPDAL reception, a protocol was also signed between IPDAL and SOFID – Society for Development Financing, Financial Credit Institution.

Numerous ambassadors from Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia were present – including the Apostolic Nuncio, the Minister of Social Solidarity, the Secretary of State for Tourism, the Secretary of State for Internal Administration, the Vice-President of the Assembly of Republic, the President of AICEP, the Head of State Protocol, a representative of the Secretary General of SEGIB, members of cabinets of the Government of Portugal, deputies, the Vice-President of TAP, businesspeople, academics, cultural agents, Friends and sponsors from IPDAL.

Since 2010, the IPDAL – Vista Alegre award has been established to distinguish personalities and entities that have stood out in bringing Portugal closer to Latin America.

See more photos by clicking here or following the link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.596447677077647.1073741829.136776496378103&type=3