Portugal ambassador reaffirms growing partnership with Pakistan in diverse sectors
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Portugal, Mr Paulo Miguel Guedes Domingues and spouse on Tuesday hosted a grand reception at Serena Hotel to celebrate the National Day of the Portuguese Republic, bringing together diplomats, parliamentarians, government officials, business leaders, students and admirers of Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo amid the excitement of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026.
The venue was organized showcasing colours of Portugal, posters of its iconic footballer Ronaldo, flags of Pakistan and Portugal and traditional Portuguese cuisine. National anthems of both countries were played and a cake was also cut to mark the event.
Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain attended the event as the Chief Guest. Among the distinguished guests included Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, Governor Sindh, Syed Nehal Hashmi, Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Minister of State for Law & Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, MNA Zain Qureshi, former Minister Fawad Chaudhry, PM Focal Person on Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairman of the Nazriya Pakistan Council (NPC) Mian Muhammad Javed, senior diplomats, members of the business community and representatives of civil society.
Speaking on the occasion, Chaudhry Salik Hussain conveyed warm greetings and congratulations to the people and government of Portugal on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the federal cabinet and the people of Pakistan.
He described Pakistan’s relations with Portugal as highly significant and emphasized the vast potential for expanding bilateral cooperation.
Recalling his experience as Minister for the Board of Investment, Salik Hussain said he had interacted with investors and business leaders from around the world and found Portuguese entrepreneurs exceptionally focused and result-oriented. He noted that Pakistan and Portugal enjoy broad opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, textiles, agriculture, renewable energy and information technology.
The minister also praised the Pakistani diaspora in Portugal, describing it as a strong bridge connecting the peoples of both countries. He said the growing community of Pakistanis in Portugal continues to contribute positively to Portuguese society while strengthening bilateral ties through cultural and economic engagement.
In his welcome address, Ambassador Miguel Guedes Domingues welcomed guests and highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations. He expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality he and his wife Carla had received since arriving in Pakistan a few months ago.
“Having served in different parts of the world, I can honestly say that I cannot imagine a better diplomatic posting at this time,” the ambassador remarked, humorously suggesting that Islamabad should perhaps be called “Islamabest” because of the extraordinary warmth shown by its people.
The ambassador said the celebration marked not only Portugal’s National Day but also the Day of Camoes and Portuguese Communities, honoring Portugal’s history, culture, language and values. He emphasized that Portugal believes in building bridges rather than walls and said this philosophy continues to guide its engagement with the international community.
Highlighting the 76th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Portugal and Pakistan, Ambassador Domingues noted that political dialogue, economic cooperation, academic exchanges and people-to-people contacts between the two countries are expanding steadily. He expressed confidence that the best chapters of Portugal-Pakistan relations are still ahead.
The ambassador revealed that approximately 50,000 Pakistanis lived in Portugal and played a valuable role in Portuguese society. He also pointed to upcoming bilateral political consultations in Islamabad and a planned visit by Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel later this year as evidence of the growing momentum in bilateral relations.
Referring to Portugal’s recent election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, Ambassador Domingues thanked Pakistan for supporting Portugal’s candidature and reaffirmed Lisbon’s commitment to peace, dialogue and multilateral cooperation.
The ambassador also appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting dialogue and peaceful solutions to international challenges, saying that countries which help create channels of communication make an important contribution to global peace and stability.
In a lighter moment, he acknowledged the presence of many football enthusiasts hoping to meet Cristiano Ronaldo. “I regret to inform you that the Cristiano Ronaldo attending tonight’s reception is made of cardboard,” he joked, drawing laughter from the audience. “But I can assure you that the friendship between Portugal and Pakistan is entirely real.” The event concluded with guests enjoying traditional Portuguese cuisine, including bacalhau, piri-piri chicken and the famous Pastel de Nata, while celebrating the growing friendship, trust and cooperation between Portugal and Pakistan
