Portugal’s National Day: Ambassador Frederico Silva reflects on country’s remarkable journey

Celina Ali

Islamabad: The Embassy of Portugal hosted a vibrant celebration of Portugal’s National Day at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, marking 886 years of Portuguese statehood and commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations between Portugal and Pakistan.

The event was attended by prominent Pakistani dignitaries, diplomats, business leaders, and members of civil society. In his keynote speech, the Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Frederico Silva, reflected on the country’s remarkable journey—from its establishment as an independent kingdom in 1139 to its present-day status as a democratic republic and a committed member of the European Union.

Ambassador Silva highlighted Portugal’s pivotal role in global history, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries when Portuguese explorers forged maritime routes and cultural ties across continents. He paid tribute to Luís Vaz de Camões, the celebrated poet whose epic Os Lusíadas immortalized Portugal’s age of discovery. The ambassador also honored the approximately five million Portuguese living across the globe, who remain a vital part of the nation’s identity.

Portugal, he noted, is also a proud member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), maintaining cultural and linguistic bonds with eight other nations across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

This year’s celebration carried special significance as it also marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Portugal and Pakistan. Ambassador Silva described the bilateral partnership as one grounded in mutual respect, trust, and shared aspirations. He praised the dynamic and growing relationship between the two countries, particularly in fields such as trade, education, culture, renewable energy, tourism, and technology.

He also highlighted the contribution of over 20,000 Pakistani nationals living in Portugal, many of whom are entrepreneurs, professionals, and students actively enriching Portuguese society.

While the evening celebrated national pride and diplomatic friendship, Ambassador Silva used the occasion to address pressing global challenges. He expressed deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crises, especially the suffering in Gaza, conflicts in the Middle East, and the war in Ukraine.

He reaffirmed Portugal’s unwavering support for multilateralism, peace, and diplomacy, and reiterated the country’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution through global institutions like the United Nations.

Portugal has formally presented its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, underscoring its dedication to upholding international peace and security.

Ambassador Silva extended heartfelt thanks to several corporate and community partners who supported the 2025 National Day celebrations, including City School, Ensmile, Gerry’s Visa, MGA, JK Marketing (Saif Group), LSE Ventures, Shahzad International, IDS, Euro Oil, Kamran Enterprises, and Selmore Pharmaceuticals.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the embassy team and Honorary Consuls Mr. Ifthikar Firoz (Lahore) and Mr. Ayazuddin Fakir (Karachi) for their longstanding commitment to Portugal’s outreach in Pakistan.

Special appreciation was reserved for Pakistani dignitaries and intellectuals who had contributed messages of goodwill for a commemorative press supplement published on the eve of the event. These included Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, former Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, former Ambassador Dr. Maleeha Lodhi, Senators Sherry Rehman and Mushahid Hussain Syed, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Portugal Muhammad Khalid Ejaz, as well as leading figures from Pakistan’s cultural and business spheres.

To commemorate the milestone of 75 years of friendship, Ambassador Silva announced the distribution of a special token: a keyring designed by Pakistani student artist Muaaz Khan and his team. Made entirely from recycled soda cans, the keyring represents innovation, sustainability, and a hopeful, shared future between the two countries.

“This keyring reminds us,” the ambassador said, “that while we honor the past, we must also safeguard our future—working together to protect the only planet we have.”

The evening concluded with a spirit of camaraderie and commitment, celebrating not only Portugal’s national pride but also the resilience and promise of Portugal–Pakistan relations.