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Portuguese and Luso-descendants,

To the Portuguese of the Diaspora, I address a warm greeting, in this day which belongs to us all.

The 10th June is a date that calls on all Portuguese, wherever they may be. They are all called upon for a reencounter with their Country, with the land of their roots, on a day which is of Portugal, of Camões and of the Portuguese Communities.

As President of all the Portuguese, I am particularly pleased to address you today. The Portuguese who live and work abroad are a part of a Nation that I greatly respect and value.

The Portuguese communities, including the Luso-descendants, are an example which I have often underlined. An example which is, at the same time, moving, inspiring and mustering.

Nobody can remain indifferent when seeing how the Portuguese who reside abroad persist in keeping alive the bonds that link them to Portugal.

We are proud to ascertain how the Portuguese communities knew how to adapt themselves and establish ties in their welcoming countries.

We feel happy with the prestige they have attained there, a prestige which has much contributed towards the assertion of Portugal in the World, as I was able to witness on several occasions.

It is thus comforting to know of their concern and spirit of solidarity towards those who were most hurt by the effects of the crisis which affects the countries where they work.

Your example is inspiring and mustering for the Portuguese who reside in the national territory. And, above all, in the times of crisis in which we live, that the action of the Diaspora can provide a relevant contribution for Portugal to overcome the current difficulties, and reencounters a path towards sustainable economic growth and improvement in the living conditions of its people.

Your contribution represents an added value for Portugal and may be provided at many different levels.

To start with, the Portuguese from the Diaspora will be welcome if they decide to invest in their country of origin, creating wealth and generating employment.

In addition, the Portuguese communities can be precious points of contact in order that our companies increase their capacity to place national products in foreign markets, and that an increased number of foreigners visit Portugal either for business purposes or to become acquainted with our landscapes, our culture and our history.

The key to the economic recovery of Portugal lies in the increase of exports of goods and services. The share of knowledge of information between the Portuguese who live in national territory and those who live and work in other parts of the world is of prime importance to achieve this objective.

It is time to appeal to the union of all the Portuguese, wherever they may find themselves. On behalf of the responsibilities we hold in the face of the future, in the face of our children and grandchildren. So that the new generations remember us as those that, in the decisive moments, did not turn their heels and were on a level with what the situation demanded from them.

The Portuguese of the Diaspora and the Luso-descendants are an example. It is also for this reason that I salute you and address a special word of appreciation and recognition, on behalf of Portugal, our land, the land where it all began.