My first words are to express my deepest thanks to President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and, through her, to all the Argentinean People, the warm and fraternal welcome that we have received.

I also wish, Madam President, to compliment you for having chosen this beautiful and dynamic city of Mar del Plata as the venue for the XX Iberian American Summit of Heads of State and of Government.

Mar del Plata, where, in 1519, landed that great Portuguese navigator, Fernão de Magalhães, and whose settlement and economic development was linked to another illustrious countryman of mine, Coelho de Meirelles, who installed here its first industrial facility.

Mar del Plata, the cradle of great universally known figures from the political, cultural and sports environment of this extraordinary country.

Mar del Plata that will also, I am certain, be remembered as a marker in the strengthening of the very special bonds the link our peoples and countries.

Madam President,
Dear Friends,

I am very proud to be counted among those that, in 1991, in the historic Guadalajara Summit, launched the procedure of the Iberian American Conferences. A procedure that is nowadays a reference in the international stage.

The challenges of our times demand coordination and concert of efforts between States. Thus the advantages of the Iberian American process are still more obvious today.

We have never deluded the differences of opinion that are absolutely natural between States. But this has not prevented us to add value to the much we have in common and to advance, materially and pragmatically, in the consolidation of our cooperation.

This was what occurred in Portugal last year, in the Estoril Summit, where we reflected upon the relevance of “Knowledge and Innovation”, a discussion from which resulted, amongst other measures, the approval of the Iberian American Innovation Programme.

The same will happen, I am certain, in Mar del Plata, where we will be called upon to discuss “Education for Social Inclusion”.

I want to warmly congratulate the Argentinean Presidency for the choice of this theme. I expectantly await the results of our work. Inclusion begins with education. And it is through inclusion that we build fairer and more democratic societies in which we all, without exception, will be able to benefit from the opportunities for a better life.

Madam President,
Dear Friends,

The Argentinean Nation celebrates, this year, similarly to many of the States represented here, the Bicentenary of their independence, an independence that Portugal is proud to have been the first country to recognize.

After two hundred years have gone by, we find ourselves meeting here, as adult and sovereign countries, determined to obtain from the much that links us together, a tool that will enable us to build a better future for our peoples and countries.

This is, without any doubt, the best way that we could have found to celebrate History. Looking towards the future. With confidence. With ambition.

Thank you very much.
Muchas gracias.