The President of the Republic addressed a message of congratulations to José Ramos Horta upon his appointment as Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General to Guinea-Bissau.

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

“On the occasion of the announcement of Your Excellency as Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to Guinea-Bissau, I wish to convey my warmest congratulations for this honourable appointment together with the sincere wishes of success for the important position you will take on this coming February.

Your Excellency holds exceptional knowledge and experience of the path trodden by Timor Leste in its search for peace, freedom, and in the creation of a Democratic State, together with the international community and, particularly, with the unshakeable support of the Portuguese People since the very first moment. Likewise, Your Excellency has been a privileged witness of the strength and leverage of the values we share within the framework of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries. I am certain that these characteristics will provide you with solid ground to face the arduous moment being traversed by Guinea-Bissau.

I wish to reassure Your Excellency of the firm and continuous commitment of Portugal in supporting the Guinean nation, in order to overcome the difficult challenges it is now facing, the respect for Human Rights and for the values of peace and democracy, in the preservation of the normal functioning of the civilian and military institutions, in the respect for the constitutional order and for economic and social development.

Renewing my sincere congratulations I ask you, dear friend, to please accept the assurances of my highest consideration and esteem.
Aníbal Cavaco Silva”