The President of the Republic addressed a message of congratulations to author Mia Couto, who has been awarded the 2013 Camões Prize.

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

“I address my very sincere congratulations to author Mia Couto, to whom the jury of the Camões Prize decided to award this prestigious trophy in 2013.

Due to the inventiveness of its style and the consistency of its opinions, Mia Couto’s work has for long commanded respect in the universe of Portuguese language. Throughout many years, his novels have been translated in several countries, thus decisively contributing towards the international assertion of Portuguese as a language of culture. His consecration with the Camões Prize is a reason of joy for all those who speak our language, wherever they live and whatever their nationality.

I thus warmly congratulate author Mia Couto, wishing him the best of happiness in his literary and personal life.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”