N the auspicious occasion of the National Day of the Portuguese Republic, I extend, on behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan, and personally, warm felicitations to Your Excellency and to the friendly people of Portugal. This occasion celebrates the Portuguese people’s commitment to democracy, progress, and development, and provides an opportunity to reflect on Portugal’s valuable contributions to international peace and understanding. Pakistan highly values its longstanding friendship with Portugal and appreciates the growing engagement between our two countries in diverse fields, including trade, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. I am confident that the cordial relations between Pakistan and Portugal will continue to strengthen further in the 79 years ahead for the mutual benefit of our two people.