Mister President, Dear Friend,

On the occasion of the celebrations of the National Day of the Federal Republic of Brazil, I am particularly pleased to address Your Excellency, on behalf of the People of Portugal and in my own personal name, our warmest congratulations and best wishes for the prosperity of the People of Brazil.

I have a very friendly recollection of my visit to Brazil on the occasion of the celebrations of the 200 years of the displacement of the Royal Family, as well as the contacts which I had the honour and satisfaction of keeping with Your Excellency on that occasion and of the visits Your Excellency made to Portugal. Such moments were clear evidence of the fraternal and unique relationship which exists between the Portuguese and the Brazilians.

The deep and special bonds of friendship and cooperation which link our countries and peoples allow us to face the future of our relations with confidence and ambition, either in a bilateral framework, or within a perspective of a greater coordination of efforts and positioning in the international stage. I would enhance, in this context, the common objective, recently reiterated in the Lisbon Summit, to actively contribute towards the growing international assertion of CPLP and of the heritage common to all its members.

While renewing my congratulations, I beg you to accept, Mister President and Dear Friend, my greatest respect and personal esteem.

With my best regards,

Aníbal Cavaco Silva