The President of the Republic sent a message of congratulations to the President elect of the African Union, John Kufuor.

The text of the message was:

Excellency,

On the occasion of your election to the exalted mission of President of the African Union, it is with great satisfaction that, in the name of the Portuguese People and on my own behalf, I extend our most sincere congratulations and wish you the greatest success in the performance of the important functions to which you have been called.

I am certain that, under your guidance, the African Union will more than ever strengthen its fundamental role in the appeasement, integration and development procedures for the Continent of Africa.

At the moment when Portugal is preparing to assume, in the second half of 2007, the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, I wish to assure Your Excellency of my country’s endeavour to promote a strengthening of the ties between the European Union and the African Continent in matters of cooperation and political dialogue.

I take this opportunity to express to Your Excellency my regard and personal esteem.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva