External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to Portugal from 31 October – 1 November, 2023. EAM called on Prime Minister H.E. Antonio Costa and President of the Portuguese Parliament (Assembly of the Republic) H.E. Augusto Santos Silva, and held delegation level talks with his counterpart Foreign Minister H.E. Joao Gomes Cravinho.
EAM conveyed the greetings from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Prime Minister Antonio Costa. Prime Minister Costa reiterated his strong support to furthering of bilateral ties as well as deepening of linkages between India and Portugal and EU. EAM and President of the Assembly Santos Silva discussed importance of furthering cooperation between our democracies. EAM also met with the members of the Portugal-India Parliamentary Friendship Group.
EAM held extensive discussions with FM Cravinho on the entire range of the bilateral relationship. They noted with satisfaction the regular high level political exchanges and held discussions on trade and investment as well as the growing potential in several sectors including IT, health and pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, defence industry, start-ups and mobility of youth, professionals and skilled workers. Both sides agreed to implementation of Standard Operating Procedure for a pilot project for realising full benefits of agreement on the Recruitment of Indian Citizens to work in the Portuguese Republic and begin India Portugal Consular Dialogue. They decided to hold the next meeting of the Joint Economic Committee to take stock of bilateral economic relations at an early date.
EAM and FM Cravinho also exchanged views on important regional and international developments including India-EU relations, connectivity with focus on India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), conflict in Ukraine, situation in West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific.
EAM also visited the Marine Museum where he was briefed on the ongoing cooperation between the two sides on the development of the Maritime Heritage Complex being set up in Lothal, Gujarat.
EAM visited the Radha Krishna temple; paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi, and paid tributes on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. He also addressed members of the Indian community and friends at a reception organised by the Embassy of India. Foreign Minister H.E. Joao Gomes Cravinho also graced the occasion.
EAM’s visit to Portugal further consolidated the long-standing ties between the two countries, based on historical and close cultural linkages as well as the forward-looking contemporary partnership. The two sides decided to celebrate the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties in 2025.
New Delhi
November 01, 2023
