Welcome to the Official page of the Presidency of the Portuguese Republic

I am greatly honoured to be here, in Cadiz, taking part in the XXII Iberian American Summit.

Allow me to start by addressing a word of special thanks to His Majesty the King of Spain for the friendly welcome awarded us.

I believe that this Summit will be a great success in the strengthening of the bonds that bring us all together.

We are living at an opportune time for a reinforced Iberian American dialogue, for a renewed relationship, that will benefit the peoples on both shores of this immense Atlantic Ocean.

Today, more than ever, I believe in the value of this special relationship that links us. I am convinced that the stake we have placed in our Iberian American partnership is an investment for the future, with much intrinsic virtuosity yet to be exploited.

On both sides of the Atlantic, our economies suffered the effects of the worldwide financial crisis unleashed in 2008. In Europe we are still working to correct the resulting unbalances and to recover a path for sustained development and growth.

Many of the Latin American economies have been through similar crises throughout the latter decades. They successfully implemented a wide programme of reforms, not just in the field of political stability, but, above all, at the level of financial stability and socioeconomic development.

Latin America is nowadays one of the main driving forces of the world economy. And this means, for Portugal, a reason for pride and hope.

A stronger and more than ever kindred relationship with Latin American countries is for us a fundamental mutant, and most certainly, a priority. Within the framework of the Latin American community a trading and investment potential exists that has not yet been sufficiently exploited. It is in our power to propel it forward.

Today, more than at any other moment in our common history, we have the responsibility to identify these opportunities and reinvent our relationship.

Excellencies,

The bicentenary of the Cadiz Constitution is being commemorated this year. Since it is a Spanish celebration, it is extensive, due to its significance, to all the Iberian American area.

In effect, the 1812 Cadiz Constitution influenced, decisively and profoundly, the first Portuguese Constitution, enacted in 1822.

The Cadiz Fundamental Law opened up, in the Iberian Peninsula, the introduction of the liberal ideas brought about by the French Revolution. The values of freedom and equality and the principle of separation of powers acquired juridical form and force.

The constitutional dialogue between Europe and the Americas has been kept up throughout the times, it only being necessary to recall that the first Portuguese republican Constitution, which centenary we celebrated last year, was based upon the 1891 Brazilian Constitution.

The historical past of inter Atlantic dialogue must be used as an example for the future we jointly want to build, as natural partners. This is the spirit that presides to the Cadiz Declaration that we are going to subscribe. My wishes are that the renewed relationship that we want to build will effectively bring improvement to the welfare of our peoples, especially as regards reduction in poverty, equal opportunities and access to health, education and social protection.

I expressively believe that a reinforced cooperation amongst our countries, based upon the historical and trustworthy assets that we share, on the open and democratic environment of our societies and on the complementarity of our economies, will be a powerful contribution for us to confidently overcome the current challenges and those that future may bring us.

Thank you very much.