The President of the Republic addressed a message to the President of East Timor People’s Republic, Taur Matan Ruak, on the occasion of the celebrations of the National Day of his Country.

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

“Mister President and Dear Friend,

On the occasion of the celebrations of the National Day of East Timor, I am particularly pleased to address Your Excellency, on behalf of the People of Portugal and in my own personal name, our warmest congratulations, as well as our best wishes for the progress and prosperity of the fraternal People of East Timor

On this very special day I happily recall the hospitality and friendliness with which I had the privilege to be welcomed, one year past, in East Timor.

Today I want to reiterate to Your Excellency my deepest drive towards the continued strengthening of the relations of friendliness and cooperation that link our two countries, firmly convinced that we will thus continue following the will of our peoples and to tread the best path for the assertion of our interests and objectives, both bilaterally and in the multilateral framework. It is equally my wish to emphasize our common determination in the defence and promotion of the heritage we share within the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries.

While reiterating my congratulations, I beg you to accept, Mister President and Dear Friend, my very highest regards and personal esteem.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”