The President of the Republic addressed a message to the President of the Federal Republic of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, on the occasion of the Brazilian National Day.

Following is the text of the message from President Cavaco Silva:

“Madam President and Dear Friend,

On the occasion of the National Day of Brazil, which is celebrated on this day, I am especially pleased to address Your Excellency, on behalf of the People of Portugal and in my own personal name, our warmest congratulations and sincere wishes for the prosperity of our fraternal Brazilian People.

Our two Countries, linked by bonds of friendship and solidarity and by a common Language, enjoy nowadays an exceptional relationship that covers the most diverse fields and that allows us to view the future of our partnership with renewed confidence and ambition.

Signalling the proximity between our two Peoples and Countries is the celebration, during the next twelve months, of the Year of Portugal in Brazil and the Year of Brazil in Portugal, with such an intensely planned programme which can only reinforce still further these so close and special bonds that link us.

While renewing my congratulations, I wish to reiterate my determination and firm personal drive to achieve all that is within my power on behalf of the continual strengthening of our relations, in the conviction that this is the path that better corresponds to the feelings and interests of our two Peoples and Countries.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”