Celina Ali
Islamabad: Portugal this week reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with Pakistan, with Ambassador Paulo Guedes Domingues describing the bilateral relationship as entering a “particularly positive phase” marked by growing engagement, expanding cooperation and increasing people-to-people connections.
In a message issued on the occasion of the Day of Portugal, Camões and Portuguese Communities 2026, the Portuguese envoy highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two countries and expressed confidence that cooperation would continue to deepen across a range of sectors in the years ahead.
Portugal Day, celebrated annually on June 10, commemorates the nation’s history, culture, language and shared values, while also honouring Portuguese communities living around the world. The occasion is named after Portugal’s national poet, Luís de Camões, whose literary legacy remains a symbol of the country’s spirit of exploration, openness and intercultural dialogue.
Reflecting on the significance of the national day, Ambassador Domingues said the celebration provides an opportunity not only to recognize Portugal’s cultural heritage but also to acknowledge the contributions of Portuguese communities abroad, which he described as important ambassadors of Portuguese values and identity.
“Through their dedication, talent and commitment, they strengthen Portugal’s presence in the world and serve as valuable bridges between peoples and nations,” the ambassador said.
Turning to Pakistan, the envoy noted that celebrating Portugal Day in Islamabad carried special significance because of the friendly and constructive relationship that exists between the two countries.
“Although separated by geography, our two nations share a rich history of contacts and exchanges, as well as a common commitment to dialogue, international cooperation and mutual respect,” he remarked.
The ambassador highlighted the growing human connections linking Portugal and Pakistan, particularly the increasing number of Portuguese citizens of Pakistani origin who are making valuable contributions to Portuguese society in diverse sectors. According to him, their presence serves as a living bridge between the two nations and plays an important role in strengthening mutual understanding and friendship.
“Their presence reflects the close links that unite our countries and serves as a living bridge between Portugal and Pakistan, strengthening mutual understanding and friendship,” he said.
Ambassador Domingues observed that bilateral relations have witnessed steady progress in recent years, extending beyond traditional diplomatic engagement to include trade and investment, educational cooperation, cultural exchanges and stronger people-to-people contacts.
He noted that the relationship is now entering a particularly encouraging phase, supported by increasingly regular interactions and a shared determination to expand cooperation in areas of common interest.
“Our bilateral relationship is entering a particularly positive phase, marked by increasingly regular contacts and a shared commitment to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” he said.
The envoy reaffirmed Portugal’s willingness to explore new opportunities for collaboration that would bring tangible benefits to both countries and their peoples. He stressed that strengthening partnerships in economic, educational and cultural fields would further consolidate the foundations of bilateral relations.
Ambassador Domingues also paid tribute to the staff of the Embassy of Portugal in Islamabad for their professionalism and dedication in promoting Portuguese interests and fostering closer ties with Pakistan. He acknowledged their role in supporting diplomatic engagement and enhancing mutual cooperation.
Special appreciation was also extended to Portugal’s Honorary Consuls in Pakistan, Fakir S. Ayazuddin in Karachi and Iftikhar Firoz in Lahore, for their efforts in building connections with Pakistani institutions, businesses and citizens and contributing to stronger bilateral engagement at multiple levels.
The ambassador expressed gratitude to Pakistani authorities, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the business community, academics, cultural figures, media professionals and friends of Portugal for their continued support and cooperation.
He said their contributions reflected the strength of the friendship between Portugal and Pakistan and demonstrated a shared confidence in the future of bilateral relations.
“As we celebrate Portugal today, we also celebrate the friendship between Portugal and Pakistan and the values that bring us together: respect, dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding,” he said.
Concluding his message, Ambassador Paulo Guedes Domingues extended his best wishes on Portugal’s National Day and reiterated his country’s desire to further strengthen its partnership with Pakistan.
“Long live Portugal, and long live the friendship between Portugal and Pakistan,” he said, expressing optimism that the relationship would continue to flourish in the years ahead.
