Madam Mayor of Andorra la Vella,
Honourable Authorities
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wish to thank the kind words which Your Excellency, Madam Mayor, saw fit to address me. I interpret these as a sign of recognition of the People of Portugal and, very specially, as an expression of esteem for the large Portuguese Community resident in this Principality.

I am extremely pleased to be able to visit this city, capital of the Principality of Andorra since, in 1278, the Co-Princes decided to attribute joint sovereignty to this land. Capital of a people who, conquering adversities, have made this lovely valley their Fatherland.

Ferreira de Castro, a celebrated Portuguese author, stated in his novel “Emigrants” that “Men travel from North to South, from East to West, from Country to Country, in search of bread and a better future”.

Forerunners of Globalization, the Portuguese travelled the World, searching, in other countries, other regions, other lands and cities, to build a better future. An example of this is the more than 13,000 Portuguese who make up the Portuguese Community resident in Andorra. I wish to take this opportunity to express my thanks to the Authorities of Andorra la Vella for the kind way in which they received and welcomed my countrymen who set up residence here.

It is always with satisfaction and pride that I hear the words of respect and regard that the Portuguese Community merits from the Andorran Authorities.

It is a well integrated Community which, with their labour and their action, concurs determinately to the economic and social development of Andorra and for the well being and prosperity of this City. A Community that knew how to reconcile this integration while maintaining Portuguese culture and traditions.

Madam President,

The dynamics of relations between nations is largely fed by contacts between their Peoples. The presence of a significant and well integrated Portuguese Community in this city is a unique opportunity for the strengthening of the relationship between our Peoples and Countries. It is time to take advantage of all the capabilities contained in this relationship, including at Local Authority level, through the sharing of experiences and projects between our municipal structures.

I am certain that the Municipality of Andorra la Vella will know how to welcome this challenge, thus contributing to the strengthening of the relationship between both our countries.

Thank you very much.