President Murmu Highlights Tech, Innovation & Cultural Ties During Portugal Visit
Lisbon, April 7: President Droupadi Murmu, currently on an official visit to Portugal, emphasized the importance of technology, innovation, and digitization as key areas of cooperation between India and Portugal, aiming to elevate their bilateral ties into a dynamic and forward-looking partnership.
During a ceremony held at the City Hall of Lisbon, President Murmu was conferred the ‘City Key of Honour’ by the Mayor of Lisbon. Thanking the Mayor and the people of Lisbon, she lauded the city’s openness, cultural diversity, and its leadership in digital transformation. She noted that India and Portugal share common aspirations in the fields of technology, innovation, and digital public infrastructure, and expressed hope for deeper collaboration in these domains.
Later, at a banquet hosted in her honour by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at Palacio da Ajuda, President Murmu spoke of the deep-rooted cultural ties that unite the two nations. She highlighted shared heritage in architecture, languages, cuisine, and historical connections, describing them as “an indelible mark on our collective imagination.”
This year marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Portugal. The President said the milestone reflects the natural synergy between the two nations and their growing cooperation in diverse areas such as science and technology, defence, education, start-ups, and research.
India, she added, is leveraging its strengths as a knowledge-based economy to drive inclusive and sustainable development, and considers Portugal a vital partner in this journey.
President Murmu also acknowledged Portugal’s key role in advancing India-EU relations. She recalled the first-ever India-EU Summit held under Portugal’s EU presidency in 2000 and the landmark India-EU+27 Leadership Summit in 2021.
Expressing confidence in the future of India-Portugal ties, President Murmu said their collaboration would not only benefit both countries but also contribute positively to the global community.
