Camera : Raja Ghulam Fareed
ISLAMABAD : 17 June 2025 – Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has expressed Pakistan’s desire to expand cooperation with Portugal in areas including education, trade, culture, and parliamentary exchanges. Portuguese Ambassador Frederico Pinheiroda Silva reaffirmed Lisbons’s commitment to further enhancing ties with Islamabad.
They highlighted the cordial and trust-based relations between Pakistan and Portugal, noting that these ties are strengthening with time. They were addressing a ceremony in Islamabad to mark the Portugal National Day and 75 years of diplomatic ties with Pakistan, hosted by Ambassador H.E Manuel Frederico Pinheiro da Silva.
Federal Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui expressed his best wishes for the people and government of Portugal. He discussed Pakistan’s interest in fostering dynamic, people-centric ties with Portugal through greater collaboration in education and professional development.
Both the dignitories were chief guest at the event attended by a large number of civil military officials, parliamentarians, diplomatic community, businessmen and media persons.
Upon the arrival of the chief guests at the event, Ambassador warmly welcomed them.
The event also marked 886 years of Portugal’s storied history. The ambassador paid tribute to Portugal’s national poet, Luis Vaz de Camoes, whose 16th-century epic Os Lusiadas immortalised the country’s age of discovery.
Ambassador acknowledged the contributions of the five million-strong Portuguese diaspora around the globe and Portugal’s continuing commitment to democracy, the rule of law and human rights.
Highlighting Portugal’s “active” international role, Ambassador Silva emphasised the country’s commitment to peace and multilateralism, reiterating Portugal’s candidacy for a seat on the UN Security Council for 2027–2028.
He spoke of the pressing need for dialogue in light of ongoing global conflicts, from Gaza and Ukraine to other regions affected by unrest.
The celebration also honoured the “vibrant” Pakistani community in Portugal, numbering over 20,000.
“These individuals – entrepreneurs, professionals, students – are a living bridge between our two nations,” the ambassador noted. He expressed satisfaction over growing bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, renewable energy, tourism, education, textiles and cultural exchange.
Ambassador Silva extended special thanks to the partners and organisations that supported the National Day celebration.
In a symbolic gesture to mark the milestone of 75 years of bilateral relations, guests received a special key ring designed by Muaaz Khan, a young Pakistani artist. Crafted from recycled soda cans, the key ring reflects themes of sustainability, creativity and a shared commitment to a greener future.
The ceremony began with the national anthems of both Pakistan and Portugal, setting a tone of mutual respect and friendship. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq also participated in the ceremonial cake-cutting to mark the occasion.
In his remarks, the Speaker extended heartfelt congratulations to the people, government, and parliament of Portugal on their National Day. He emphasized that Pakistan and Portugal enjoy friendly and trust-based bilateral relations.
The hall was decorated with artistic touch of Portugal where the guests were served with special food items including cookies and other from Portugese cusine. Speaker and Minister took keen interest in the artcrafts exhibition arranged by the embassy at sidelines. They tasted the Portugues food and admired it.
Embassy of Portugal held such a magnificent event in Islamabad after a long time.
