India's President, Smt Droupadi Murmu, received the 'City Key of Honour' of Lisbon from the Mayor of Lisbon at a function held at the City Hall of Lisbon, Portugal yesterday. The honour was bestowed upon her as part of a warm welcome extended to her by the Portuguese government.
Speaking on the occasion, the President expressed gratitude to the Mayor and the people of Lisbon for their gesture, highlighting the open-mindedness, warmth, and cultural diversity of the city. She also noted that Lisbon is a global hub for technological change, innovation, digital public infrastructure, and digital transition, making it an ideal partner for India in these areas.
The President's visit to Portugal coincided with the 50th anniversary of India-Portugal bilateral relations, a relationship that has been steadily growing in various fields, including science and technology, defence, IT, start-ups, research, educational, and cultural cooperation. She praised Portugal's role in promoting India's relations with the European Union, citing several notable summits held during Portugal's Presidency.
The President highlighted India's own efforts to harness 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 expressed confidence that the India-Portugal bilateral relationship will become even closer and broader in the future, benefiting not only their people but the entire world.
During her visit, the President attended a banquet hosted by the Portuguese President, H.E. Mr Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at Palacio da Ajuda, where she delivered remarks on the cultural ties between India and Portugal, which have been shaped over centuries. These ties include shared historical sites, languages, and cuisines, and have left an indelible mark on their collective imagination.
The visit marked a significant milestone in the growing partnership between India and Portugal, two nations with a rich history of cooperation and mutual understanding. The President's reception of the Lisbon City Key of Honour was seen as a symbol of this growing relationship, one that promises to yield numerous benefits for both countries and the world at large.