N the occasion of Portugal`s National Day and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Portugal, I extend my warmest felicitations to the people and government of Portugal.

Since the formal establishment of diplomatic ties in 1949, our two countries have nurtured a relationship built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared values.Over the decades, we have supported each other on global issues of importance, while steadily expanding our bilateral engagement across trade, education, technology, and culture.

I am heartened to see that bilateral trade reached USD 222 million in 2023.

Portugal now hosts a thriving Pakistani diaspora of over 16,000 individuals contributing actively to its economy and social fabric.

Initiatives like Pakistan`s participation in Lisbon`s Web Summit and academic partnerships between our institutions reflect the depth and dynamism of this enduringrelationship.

As we celebrate this important milestone, I hope the friendship between our nations continues to grow, opening new avenues for cooperation, trade, tourism and shared progress.m