Majesty,
President of the Government of Spain,
Prime Minister,
Ministers,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are particularly pleased to welcome, in Braga, His Majesty King D. Juan Carlos and the President of the Spanish Government to attend the inaugural act of the Iberian International Nanotechnology Laboratory, undoubtedly an extraordinary moment in the cooperation between Portugal and Spain.

The path treaded by both countries in the last 25 years, in matters of dialogue, in agreeing stances and in the defence of common interests is truly notable. Not just in the vigour of the political and economic contacts, in the dynamics of trading relations and in the circulation of people, but also in the strengthening of cultural and scientific bonds.

Portuguese and Spaniards have been aware for a long time that knowledge has no frontiers, that knowledge circulates because people need and want to advance more than ever in their research and their discoveries.

Throughout History, Portugal has proved that the paths of discovery ignore physical barriers and border limitations.

If the past also taught us the advantages of establishing bonds of cooperation with other countries in the paths of progress and scientific development, the present shows us that the world is global, not just in trading or financial terms, but also, and above all, as to the universal quality of knowledge.

In order to face the challenges of contemporary society and of the global economy, it is crucial that countries as close as Spain and Portugal set up cross border networks of knowledge.

The project we have in front of us is one of the most expressive and laudable instances of Luso-Spanish cooperation. The creation of an Iberian International Nanotechnology Laboratory will allow us to be strategically placed at the forefront of one of the most advanced research sectors in the world.

The opportunity and the merit of this joint initiative of the two Governments are unquestionable.

On the one hand, the very wide range of potential applications of nanotechnology turns this into one of the more promising areas of applied science.

On the other hand, the high level of excellence and the demands of critical mass which are placed in such an advanced area of research as that of nanotechnologies, will result in a potentially eminent benefit deriving from the joint action of both countries.

I am certain that this partnership may bring, in the near future, not just a significant increase in the competences and achievements in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology, but also a greater involvement of society in general and the entrepreneurial community in particular, in programmes of cooperation which will aim to discuss, enhance and regulate the concomitant social, ethical, environmental and economic connotations.

On several occasions I have expressed my conviction that, in a global world and facing such a demanding integration project as the European Union, both our countries will only gain if they exploit the synergies resulting from common projects. This Laboratory is a splendid example.

Majesty,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

A path is opening before us today which we will have to tread, paraphrasing the Spanish poet Antonio Machado. A path which we will tread together.

It is aught surprising and marvellous to think that such a large and promising path starts from an infinitely small signature, inscribed on a 2 centimetre plaque, placed on a rock of shale more than 500 million years old, mined from a quarry in Vila Nova de Foz Côa. It is obvious that our eyes are unable to read the signature engraved on that plaque, but I am sure that we are all going to work so that, very shortly, the results of this joint project will be available.

My deepest thanks go to all that accompanied and are involved in this initiative.