The President of the Republic addressed a message of condolences to the Family of Engineer Pedro Pires de Miranda.

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

“Upon being advised of the passing away of Engineer Pedro Pires de Miranda I address the bereaved Family my deepest condolences.

Graduated in Engineering in the Lisbon Institute of Engineering Technology, Pedro Pires de Miranda early stood out as one of the foremost Portuguese specialists in the energy industry and, particularly, in oil production and distribution, to which he was linked during a significant period of his professional career.

Due to his unique experience, he would be appointed, in 1980, as an itinerant ambassador for oil issues by the VI Constitutional Government.

In addition, due to his rare knowledge of external trade and international relations, he had already been called upon to exercise highly relevant public duties.

In the X Constitutional Government, I had the honour to count upon the precious collaboration of Engineer Pedro Pires de Miranda as holder of the Foreign Affairs brief, where he demonstrated his wisdom and experience, his affability in personal relationship, his exemplary professionalism and his deep love for his country.

Thanks to the notable work he carried out as Minister of Foreign Affairs, decisive steps were then taken in Portuguese foreign policy, especially in the relations with the European Communities and with Portuguese speaking African countries and, very particularly, in the deepening of the dialogue with China.

The passing away of Engineer Pedro Pires de Miranda signifies the disappearance of a person of the highest integrity, who always battled for a more prosperous and better developed Portugal.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”