The President of the Republic addressed a message of condolences to the President of the Federal Republic of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, upon the passing away of Oscar Niemeyer.

Following is the text of the message sent by President Cavaco Silva:

“Madam President,

I felt great sorrow when I received the news of the passing away of Architect Oscar Niemeyer, an unconvertible figure in world architecture and of the Contemporary History of Brazil.

Oscar Niemeyer will be remembered by all of us as one of the maximum exponents of architecture and as a friend of Portugal. At this moment, I cannot but recall the words of Niemeyer himself when he said “Life is no more than a breath”! The life of Architect Oscar Niemeyer was much more than this and his legacy will be forever recognized.

In this hour of grief and national mourning, which we share with Your Excellency, with Brazil and with the whole family, I beg you to accept the deepest condolences that I have the honour to express on behalf of the People of Portugal and in my own personal name.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”