The President of the Republic addressed a message of congratulations to Eng Ramiro Lopes da Silva upon his appointment as Deputy Executive Director of External Relations of the World Food Programme.

Following is the text of the congratulatory message addressed by President Aníbal Cavaco Silva:

"Upon being advised of your appointment to the office of Deputy Executive Director of External Relations of the World Food Programme, I address you my warmest congratulations and sincere wishes for success in the office you have been called on to perform.

It is a reason of great pride for Portugal to have one of its nationals assuming such important responsibilities within the framework of the World Food Programme, and for the recognition awarded to the dedication, mission spirit and leadership qualities which have been characteristic of your already lengthy career in the staff of this relevant international organization.

I am certain that your wide experience in the service of the United Nations in particularly demanding and difficult missions, such as was the case in Iraq and now in Haiti, will be a contribution of inestimable value for the World Food Programme to continue bearing a central and irreplaceable role in the mustering of world food aid in situations of humanitarian emergency.

Renewing my congratulations, I beg you to accept my best wishes for your personal well being and for the continued success of the humanitarian initiatives to which you have dedicated so much of your effort.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva"