“We consider Portugal as our partner in harnessing India’s strengths as a knowledge-based economy”: President Murmu

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, received the ‘City Key of Honour’ of Lisbon City from the Mayor of Lisbon at a function held at the City Hall of Lisbon, Portugal.

Speaking on the occasion, the President thanked the Mayor and the people of Lisbon for the gesture. She shared that Lisbon is known for its open-mindedness, the warmth of its people and culture, along with tolerance and respect for diversity.

President Murmu was happy to note that Lisbon is a global city that is at the forefront of technological change, innovation, digital public infrastructure and digital transition. She said that in these areas India and Portugal could further cooperate.

On this occasion, President Murmu also attended a banquet hosted in her honor by the President of the Republic of Portugal, H.E. Mr Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at Palacio da Ajuda.

In her banquet remarks, the President said that the cultural ties between people of both the countries span centuries, and these ties have left an indelible mark on collective imagination. These include shared past which is reflected in architecture, historical sites and languages, as well as cuisines.

The President said, “this year holds special significance as we celebrate 50 years of India-Portugal bilateral relations. With our natural synergy and potential for cooperation in diverse fields, our historic ties are firmly on their way to becoming a dynamic and visionary partnership.”

She was happy to note the steady and progressive growth in India-Portugal cooperation in various fields, including science and technology, defense, IT, start-ups, research, educational and cultural cooperation.

The President also shared that as a knowledge-based economy, India is harnessing its strengths in areas such as science and technology, information and communication technology, digital public infrastructure, start-ups and innovation to create an inclusive and sustainable development model that benefits all. She stated that India considers Portugal as its partner in these efforts.

The President appreciated Portugal's role in promoting India's relations with the European Union. She highlighted that it was during Portugal's Presidency of the European Union that the first India-EU Summit was held in 2000, and in May 2021, once again under the Portuguese Presidency, the historic "India-EU Plus 27" Leadership Summit took place in Portugal.

The President expressed confidence that India-Portugal bilateral relations will become even closer and broader in the times to come and it will be beneficial not only for our people but for the entire world.

Portugal is located in the southwest of the European continent on the Atlantic Ocean coast. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, one of the tropical countries in Europe. Portugal's only neighbor is Spain.

Portugal is famous for its explorers, Port wine, cork products, football, Fado music, and pastel de nata. Portugal is special for many reasons! It is a beautiful country in Southern Europe known for its breathtaking coastline, historic palaces, and tasty food. Portugal once owned half of the New World. The Portuguese Empire was one of the longest-lived European empires. Nine other countries have Portuguese as an official language.

Living in Portugal as an emigrant is good. The country offers a high quality of life, a pleasant climate, beautiful landscapes, and a rich cultural scene. It is a popular choice for retirees, expats, and anyone seeking a relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle.

Portugal is a beautiful country and has become an increasingly popular destination due to its sunny climate, relatively low cost of living, and slow pace yet high quality of life.

The country stands out as a highly sought-after destination for expatriates due to the numerous benefits of living in Portugal. There’s a pleasant climate, offering a balance of warm summers and mild winters. The cost of living in this European country is relatively affordable, extending to several aspects of daily expenses, including transportation, groceries, and leisure activities.

The country also boasts a reputation for being one of the safest in the world, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere contributing to a sense of security. In addition, Portugal's good food, welcoming people, rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical sites add an enriching dimension to daily life. In Lisbon, winter brings an average of ten hours of sunlight, a striking departure from the overcast days prevalent in Northern European countries.

Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, with long, hot summers and mild winters. Cities in the north of Portugal get colder and have more rainfall in winter, and as one goes southwards, the temperatures become even hotter.

The northern region of mainland Portugal experiences an average temperature of 10-12°C during the winter. Places in southern Portugal, such as the Algarve region and Alentejo enjoy a slightly warmer climate of 16-18°C. Generally, Portugal's great weather means that one can enjoy outdoor activities and sunshine all year round.

From bustling cities to quaint villages and coastal towns, the Portuguese are well known for their laid-back and welcoming nature. Portuguese people also have a strong sense of community and highly value friendships, which makes Portugal the special country it is. Although the official language in Portugal is Portuguese, several locals speak English, especially in major cities and tourist regions such as Lisbon and Porto.

Additionally, the welcoming and hospitable culture of Portugal fosters a sense of belonging and community, making it easy for newcomers to feel accepted and integrated. These factors collectively contribute to Portugal's reputation as a desirable destination for those seeking a high standard of living in both the Mediterranean region and southern Europe as a whole.

Portugal is ranked 5th among the top 10 safest countries in Europe in the annual Global Peace Index (GPI), released by the Institute for Economics and Peace in 2022. Violent crime in Portugal is rare.

Portugal is also the 7th most peaceful country in the world after Iceland, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, and Singapore (2023 GPI). Factors such as political stability, low crime rates, and harmonious relationships with other countries all contribute to a sense of safety in daily life.

Over the centuries, this country has been shaped by several civilizations, including the Romans, Visigoths, and Moors, each leaving an enduring legacy. These diverse influences have formed Portugal's unique cultural identity, evident in its traditions, customs, and artistic expressions.

The Roman legacy is evident in the remnants of ancient structures like bridges and roads scattered across the landscape, showcasing their engineering prowess and influence. The Visigothic era left its mark on Portugal's religious landscape, with the construction of churches and monasteries reflecting their architectural style and religious practices. Similarly, the Moorish influence is evident in the intricate tile work, known as azulejos, adorning many buildings and structures throughout the country.

Beyond architectural influences, Portugal's cultural heritage is also reflected in its traditions and celebrations, such as Fado music, a soulful genre that captures the essence of Portuguese identity.

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