On the occasion of Your Excellency’s election to the high office of Speaker of the European Parliament, it is with great pleasure that, on behalf of the People of Portugal and in my own personal name that I address you our sincere congratulations and best wishes in the exercise of your new functions.

The challenges placed before the European Union today are a clear reflection of the success of European integration, deserving, on our part, of a resolute answer determined to pursue our common objectives. I am certain that, under Your Excellency’s leadership, the European Parliament will act decisively in the strengthening of the European Union and of its contribution towards the well being and prosperity of all Europeans.

With few months to go before assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, I wish to assure Your Excellency of the determination of my country in promoting, through cooperation with all the European Institutions, a consensus in obtaining the best answers to the demands and concerns of the Europeans. I hope to have the opportunity and the pleasure to approach these issues personally with Your Excellency in the near future, in Lisbon.

I avail myself of this opportunity to reiterate to Your Excellency my highest consideration and personal esteem.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva