The President of the Republic addressed a message to King D. Juan Carlos of Spain who announced his decision to abdicate from the throne.
Following is the text of the message from President Cavaco Silva:

“Majesty, My Dear Friend,

I was deeply moved when being advised that Your Majesty had announced the decision to abdicate from the Crown of the Kingdom of Spain.

I want, on this occasion, to express to Your Majesty Portugal’s great appreciation for your personal endeavour in the reinforcement of the relations between our two countries, a relationship based upon the historical bonds of friendship that link our two peoples. I equally wish to emphasize the regard and particular esteem that Your Majesty always showed for the Portuguese, very especially recalling your several visits to Portugal.

After thirty nine years of reigning with total dedicated to Spain and to the common good of your people, and on the moment when you announce the decision to abdicate from the Crown in favour of the Prince of Asturias, I wish, on behalf of the People of Portugal, the best of fortunes to Your Majesty and Queen Sofia, in this new stage of a remarkable path in life.

I take advantage of this circumstance to reiterate to Your Majesty the importance that Portugal gives to the deepening of the friendly and neighbourly relations between our two countries.

I reaffirm my most sincere wishes for Your Majesty’s personal happiness, and beg you to accept my highest esteem and regard.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”