Mr. President-elect and Dear Friend,

With the confirmation of Your Excellency’s election to the Presidency of the French Republic, I request that you accept, on behalf of the People of Portugal and in my own name, our warmest congratulations and wishes for the greatest exit in the mandate that the French People have so expressly entrusted you with.

In this moment, I recall with particular satisfaction the contacts I had the opportunity to have with Your Excellency, immediately upon my taking office as President of the Portuguese Republic. I remember Your Excellency’s stressing your wish for the strengthening of the relations of friendship and cooperation which link our two Countries, as well as your appreciative words regarding the many Portuguese that contribute, with their effort and endeavour, for the development and progress of France.

Portugal and France share the same European destiny and the same vision of a European Union which will assert itself as a space of peace, democracy, justice, stability, security and prosperity for all its members. At a moment when the European Union is faced with important challenges, I am certain that Your Excellency’s actions will constitute a very relevant contribution towards our being able to take advantage of the opportunities we are offered.

I again address Your Excellency my warm and heartiest congratulations and ask that you accept my best wishes for your personal health and for the growing progress of the People of France.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva