The President of the Republic addressed a message of congratulations to the re-elected President of the United States of America, Barack Obama.

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

“Mister President,

Upon being advised of Your Excellency’s re-election to the high office of President of the United States of America, I want to address you, on behalf of the People of Portugal and in my own personal name, our sincere congratulations and best wishes for the greatest of success in the exercise of your office during the second mandate that will very shortly begin.

Such as during your previous mandate, when we had the honour of welcoming you in Lisbon, on the occasion of the NATO summit, I am certain that, during the following years, the historical bonds of friendship that link our two countries will become strengthened and that we will find new means of cooperation that may allow us to reinforce even further our already intense bilateral relations, for our mutual benefit.

The world in which we nowadays live places before us new and constant challenges to which we have to find adequate answers. I am certain that Your Excellency will continue, during your new presidential mandate, such as in the past, driven towards finding solutions for the challenges placed before the International Community.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, so very symbolic for the United States of America, I must also emphasize the role of the significant community of Portuguese and Portuguese descendants that live and work in the United States of America and which are a fundamental link between both our countries.

Renewing my congratulations, and recalling our meeting in Washington held nearly one year ago, I beg you to accept, Mister President, our sincere wishes for Your Excellency’s personal welfare and for the prosperity and progress of the friendly people of the United States of America.

With warmest regards,

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”