At the beginning of the State Visit he is holding in Portugal, the President of the Republic of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, met with President Cavaco Silva in the Palace of Belém.

After visiting the Jerónimos Monastery where he laid a wreath on the tomb of Luis Vaz de Camões, the Irish President headed for the Palace of Belém, where he was received with military honours.

The President of the Republic and Mrs. Cavaco Silva held a private meeting with the President of Ireland. Michael D. Higgins, and Mrs. Sabina Higgins, this being followed by an enlarged meeting between the two Heads of State and their retinues.

At the end of the working meeting, both Presidents issued declarations to the media.