The President of the Republic addressed the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Joachim Gauck, a message of condolences over the victims of the air accident recorded today in the French Alps.

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

“Mister President,

I was deeply distressed upon being advised of the air accident occurred today, in France, and of the tragic loss of a large number of German victims.

I wish to convey to Your Excellency and to the German people, on behalf of the Portuguese and in my own personal name, our feelings of grief and of heartfelt solidarity.

I beg you to accept, Mister President, the expression of my deepest regards and personal esteem.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”