The President of the Republic addressed a congratulatory message to the President elect of the Republic of East Timor, Taur Matan Ruak.

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

“Mr. President elect,

On the occasion of Your Excellency’s election as President of the People’s Republic of East Timor, I want to address you, on behalf of the People of Portugal and in my own personal name, our most sincere congratulations and wishes for success in the carrying out of the exalted duties you have been called upon to perform by the Timorean People.

Your Excellency’s election is a further relevant step in the History of the People of Timor, whom the Portuguese consider as brothers. The bonds of friendship that link Portugal and East Timor are exceedingly deep, based upon a common path in History and on a shared fight on behalf of the cause of East Timor. The carrying out of the electoral process effusively proved the maturity of East Timor as a free and democratic State under the Rule of Law, as well as the sense of responsibility and civic spirit of the Timorean People.

I am certain that, during Your Excellency’s mandate, the close bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation that link our two countries will find new opportunities for development and deepening, both bilaterally and within the scope of CPLP (Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries) and of the United Nations, to the benefit of both our Peoples. Your Excellency may count upon my personal endeavours in this regard, convinced that a closer partnership between Portugal and East Timor corresponds to the best interests of our Peoples and countries.

Reiterating my warmest congratulations to Your Excellency and looking forward to our next meeting on the occasion of Your Excellency’s empowerment, of the celebrations of the 10th Anniversary of Independence, and of the State Visit I shall have the honour to carry out to East Timor, I beg you to accept, Mister President, my best wishes for your personal welfare and for the increasing progress of the People of East Timor.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva