Ambassador of Portugal to Bissau, Miguel Cruz Silvestre said in a statement, As I begin my duties as Ambassador of Portugal in Bissau, I would like, first of all, to say that it is a great honor and that I am especially happy to be able to work towards boosting and strengthening bilateral relations with Guinea-Bissau, as well as the development full and inclusive of the country. On my part, as well as that of the entire Embassy team, there is commitment, determination and commitment to make this happen.
Guinea-Bissau is, for us, a key partner and can count on the interest and willingness of Portugal’s institutions, companies, investors and civil society to go further in this partnership, from culture to the economy, including education and for health, which are structuring areas of our cooperation, but also including the development of human capital, job creation, support for entrepreneurship and the modernization of infrastructure. Portugal will also continue to work, as a Member State of the European Union, to deepen economic relations and cooperation in various areas between Guinea-Bissau and the European Union.
Visits and meetings at political level between Portuguese and Guinean officials have taken place at an intense pace, both in a bilateral and multilateral context, including within the framework of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), and testify to the fluid communication between the political protagonists on each side, revealing the deep bonds of friendship that unite the two countries.
This dialogue also reflects the implicit recognition of the importance of the broad and intense bilateral relationship, which is not limited to the official level, but rather draws its strength and vigor from the close intergenerational connection between our two Peoples and the effective proximity between people – Portuguese, Guinean and binational citizens –, company investment, the movement of students and the widespread mobility that occurs between the two countries.
The Portuguese community in Guinea-Bissau is exemplary for its integration in this country and has played a fundamental role in strengthening our bilateral ties, simultaneously contributing to the development of both countries. I also highlight the important contribution of the Guinean community to the development of Portugal.
I receive all this positive legacy as a motivation to continue the work, in a proactive and constructive way in search of constant improvements in our services, with a view to strengthening relationships of partnership, friendship and cooperation between Guinea-Bissau and Portugal.
The entire team at the Embassy of Portugal in Bissau will remain, as it has always been, attentive and available to support everyone, within the scope of their duties and competencies.
Miguel Cruz Silvestre
Ambassador of Portugal in Bissau
February 7, 2024