The President of the Republic sent a message to his counterpart in the Federal Republic of Germany, Horst Köhler, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

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

"Mister President and Dear Friend

On the occasion of the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, I wish to address Your Excellency and to all the German People, on behalf of the People of Portugal and in my own personal name, our most sincere congratulations.

The events which we are celebrating today had the sign of those that set and determine the sense of History. The development of the process of European integration is a particularly clear instance of the paths which the fall in the Berlin Wall allowed to be tread, in favour of a Europe finally reconciled to itself.

Those that had the privilege to live through those days, with the emotion of those who believe in the strength of freedom and democracy, have the duty of making this celebration a moment of reconfirmation of a commitment with the permanent dignifying of the ideals that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall. That will be the best posture to be abreast of the example of those who were never resigned in the face of the brutal separation brought about by the “wall of shame”, built in the name of fear and against freedom.

On the date which has such a great symbolic value I wish, in this way, to associate myself to the justified joy of the People of Germany, by renewing, Mr. President, my warmest congratulations and my best regard and personal friendship.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva"