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The President of the Republic addressed a message to the President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the events that took place on 11 September 2001

Following is the text of the message addressed by President Aníbal Cavaco Silva:

“Mr. President and my dear Friend,

On the day in which we recall the ten years of the attempts against freedom that victimized the United States of America, I want to assure you, Mr. President, on behalf of the people of Portugal and in my own personal name, our feelings of deepest solidarity with the North American People, and very particularly with the victims’ families, in their painful memory of those moments.

Remembering 11 September 2001 must become an occasion to emphasize the values of dialogue, of tolerance and of respect for the human being. That will be the best way to render tribute to the innocent victims and to honour all those who, by their proven heroism, and by the generosity of their contribution, shall always be, to us all, and inspiring example and the image of what Man is capable.

Remembering 11 September 2001 is also an opportunity to reflect upon the imperative need for international cooperation to face the threat of terrorism, in the conviction that security and freedom are indivisible values.

Renewing my feelings of solidarity in this hour of meditation, I beg Your Excellency to accept my best regards and personal esteem.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”