The President of the Republic addressed a message of congratulations to the new President of the Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.

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

“Mister President,

On the occasion of Your Excellency’s election as President of the Republic of Nigeria I want, on behalf of the People of Portugal and in my own personal name, to convey our warmest congratulations and wishes for success in the exercise of the high office for which you have been chosen by the People of Nigeria.

I am certain that, during Your Excellency’s mandate, the bonds of friendship and cooperation that link our two countries will find new opportunities for being strengthened and developed. Your Excellency may count upon my personal drive for this to be achieved, convinced that a closer partnership between Portugal and Nigeria will be in the best interests of both our Countries and Peoples.

I beg you to accept, Mister President, my best wishes for Your Excellency’s personal wellbeing and for the increasing progress of the friendly People of Nigeria.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”