External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Indian diaspora in Portugal on Wednesday and highlighted the Mediterranean country’s role in promoting closer India-EU relations.
EAM recognized the importance of partnerships for migration and mobility in the global workplace and appreciated the need for direct air connectivity.
He also called on the Indian community to contribute to the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Portugal.
“Addressed the Indian community in Portugal. Thanked FM @JoaoCravinho for joining. Highlighted Portugal’s contribution to fostering closer ties between India and the EU. Porto Summit 2021 is a milestone. The importance of partnerships on migration and mobility in the global workplace is recognized. Need for direct air links appreciated,” Jaishankar wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
He added: “He shared the transformation underway in India that provides new opportunities for cooperation. He called on the community to contribute to the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic ties.”
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar along with his Portuguese counterpart Joao Cravinho delivered a joint statement during a press conference in Portugal where the two ministers discussed various aspects of Indo-Portuguese relations.
EAM highlighted that Indo-Portugal relations have seen a lot of new energy and activity for several sectors, noting that trade and investment are strong drivers.
He further emphasized that Indian IT companies have established themselves in Portugal.
Additionally, Jaishankar expressed happiness that India’s dairy major Amul is India’s first regional sponsor of the Portuguese national football team.
Earlier in the morning, Jaishankar called on Portuguese President Augusto Santos Silva. “We discussed our political and parliamentary exchanges, which I appreciate very much. In our meeting today, we reviewed our bilateral partnership in great detail,” he said.
He went on to say: “We will ask our joint economic committee to follow up on some of our discussions and see what we could do more in healthcare, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy.”
Jaishankar is in Portugal on a two-day visit from October 31 to November 1. In particular, India and Portugal have developed mutually beneficial relations in all areas, which have strengthened over time.
After he visits Portugal, EAM Jaishankar will go to Italy on a bilateral visit from November 2-3. During his visit, EAM will meet with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Minister of Defense and Minister for “Made in Italy”. A meeting with the top leadership of the country is also expected.
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