In the message he addressed to the IV “Strategic Triangle” Meeting, the President of the Republic of Portugal guarantees that «the role of civil society, and in particular of IPDAL, deserves to be highlighted»

The Head of State also praises the “pertinence of the themes for the different panels” and also assures that it is “with great pleasure” that he once again joins the “Strategic Triangle: Latin America – Europe – Africa” Meetings, congratulating IPDAL for its organization .

In effect, the President states that «in this dynamic of rapprochement and strengthening of Portugal’s relationship with Africa and Latin America, alongside the efforts carried out by national political authorities, the role of civil society, and in particular IPDAL, deserves to be highlighted.”

The message was read at the Opening Session of the IV “Strategic Triangle” Meeting, on April 16, 2015.

Full message:

“Message from
His Excellency the President of the Republic
to the IV Strategic Triangle Meeting: Latin America-Europe-Africa

Lisbon April 16, 2015

It is with great pleasure that, once again, I join the IV Strategic Triangle Meeting: Latin America – Europe – Africa and that I congratulate the Institute for the Promotion and Development of Latin America, IPDAL, for its organization, also saluting its distinguished participants .

In this dynamic of rapprochement and strengthening of Portugal’s relationship with Africa and Latin America, alongside the efforts carried out by national political authorities, the role of civil society, and in particular IPDAL, deserves to be highlighted.

Hosting, in Lisbon, this annual meeting that brings together political leaders, businesspeople and representatives of civil society from various Latin American, African and European countries is, in itself, symbolic of Portugal’s role as a factor in bringing people and cultures closer together and the apex of this strategic triangle.

I congratulate IPDAL for the choice and relevance of the themes for the different panels. The subjects proposed for reflection, ranging from Cooperation and Development, to Energy, Infrastructure and Logistics or Innovation, Science and Higher Education, constitute priority areas in our relationship.

Portugal, an active member of the European Union, has maintained, for many centuries, an intense relationship of deep friendship and closeness with the countries of Africa and Latin America. We are united by strong ties and common denominators that have manifested themselves, in different ways, throughout our history.

In times of greatest challenge, like the one we have been experiencing for several years, this complicity and this special relationship have greatly helped our countries. Today, the economic, political and cultural dynamics that exist between Portugal and African countries, especially Portuguese-speaking and Latin American countries, have proven to be fundamental for economic growth and the well-being of our populations.

It is with appreciation that we note the intensity of political contacts, trade rates never before achieved and investment figures, exchanges between companies, students, academic institutions, research institutes and cultural agents.

As has been proven, this is a relationship that does not end in history and that, I am convinced, extends into the future, with mutual benefits.

It is in this spirit that I wish you every success in the work you are now beginning.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva
President of the Portuguese Republic»