Portugal, Pakistan share commitment to dialogue and peace: Portuguese Ambassador

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Jun, 2026) Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan, Paulo Miguel Guedes Domingues said Portugal and Pakistan shared a fundamental belief that dialogue was always stronger than confrontation, stressing the importance of diplomacy in addressing contemporary global challenges.

He expressed these views while addressing a reception hosted by the Embassy of Portugal in connection with Portugal's National Day.

Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain attended the event as the chief guest, while Federal Minister for Water Resources was the guest of honour. Members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, representatives of the armed forces, business leaders, academics and members of civil society were also present on the occasion.

The ambassador said Portugal and Pakistan had enjoyed 76 years of friendship, dialogue and mutual respect, adding that although geographically distant, the two countries' interests were increasingly converging.

"Our peoples are becoming closer, and our partnership is growing stronger every day," he said, describing the bilateral relationship as one of friendship, opportunity, innovation and shared ambition.

Ambassador Domingues said the excellent state of relations between Portugal and Pakistan reflected the commitment of both countries to work together for the benefit of their people. He noted that political dialogue was intensifying, economic cooperation was expanding, academic exchanges were increasing and people-to-people contacts were growing steadily.

Referring to upcoming bilateral engagements, he said that the scheduled political consultations in Islamabad and the planned visit of the Portuguese foreign minister later this year demonstrated the shared vision of the two governments to further strengthen bilateral ties.

The envoy said approximately 50,000 Pakistanis were currently residing in Portugal, studying, working, investing and contributing positively to Portuguese society.

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"Their contribution is deeply valued, and they are among the strongest ambassadors of friendship between our two nations," he added.

Highlighting Portugal's historic association with the Ismaili community, the ambassador said Portugal was honoured to host the seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, adding that the legacy of His Highness Prince Aga Khan IV continued to inspire efforts in dialogue, education and development.

The ambassador also expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for supporting Portugal's candidature for the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.

"We deeply appreciate this gesture of friendship and trust and look forward to working closely with Pakistan at the United Nations and beyond," he said.

Referring to the prevailing global situation marked by conflicts and geopolitical tensions, Ambassador Domingues underscored the importance of diplomacy and peaceful engagement.

"The world needs countries willing to build bridges, facilitate dialogue and promote peaceful solutions," he remarked.

He appreciated Pakistan's constructive role in promoting dialogue and supporting peace initiatives in complex regional environments, saying countries that create channels of communication render an important service to international peace and stability.

The ambassador also expressed gratitude for the warmth and hospitality extended to him and his wife, Carla, since their arrival in Islamabad a few months ago.

"Pakistan has welcomed us with such warmth that we truly feel at home," he said, describing hospitality as one of Pakistan's greatest traditions.

Earlier, the ambassador paid tribute to the Embassy of Portugal's staff, honorary consuls in Lahore and Karachi, as well as sponsors and partners for making the National Day celebrations possible.