Ambassador Domingues Highlights Pakistan-Portugal Partnership at National Day Celebration
Pakistan and Portugal Celebrate 76 Years of Friendship and Diplomatic Relations
Federal Minister Ch. Salik Hussain Graces Portugal National Day Celebration as a Chief Guest
Islamabad – 17 June, 2026 (Adnan Hameed) : The National Day of Portugal was celebrated with enthusiasm and diplomatic warmth at a reception held at the local hotel in Islamabad.
Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan Paulo Domingues said that Portugal and Pakistan share a relationship built on friendship, trust, dialogue and mutual respect, expressing confidence that the strongest chapters of bilateral relations are still ahead.
Addressing the reception on the occasion of the Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities, Ambassador Paulo Domingues said Portugal believes in building bridges, not walls, and highlighted the importance of dialogue between cultures.
He said Portugal and Pakistan are celebrating the 76th anniversary of diplomatic relations, describing the journey as one of friendship, dialogue and cooperation. He added that the relationship is increasingly becoming a partnership of opportunity, innovation and shared ambition.
The Ambassador said that since his arrival in Islamabad, he and his wife Carla have been deeply touched by the warmth, kindness and generosity of the Pakistani people. He appreciated Pakistan’s tradition of hospitality and said he feels at home in Pakistan.
Highlighting bilateral cooperation, Ambassador Paulo Domingues said political dialogue is intensifying, economic ties are expanding, academic exchanges are growing and people-to-people relations are becoming stronger.
He welcomed the growing number of Pakistani citizens choosing Portugal for study, work and investment, saying around 50,000 Pakistanis call Portugal home and their contribution to Portuguese society is deeply valued.
The Ambassador also recalled the special bond between Portugal and the Ismaili community and highlighted Portugal’s honour in hosting the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon.
Speaking about Portugal’s international role, Ambassador Paulo Domingues said Portugal’s election to the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027–2028 reflects confidence in its commitment to peace, dialogue and multilateral cooperation. He expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its support.
He said in today’s world of conflicts and uncertainties, diplomacy matters more than ever, and countries that create channels of communication play an important role in promoting peace and stability.
The Ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for dialogue and peaceful solutions to international challenges, saying dialogue remains the surest path to peace.
He thanked the Government and people of Pakistan for their friendship and said Portugal and Pakistan may be geographically distant but friendship is measured by trust, goodwill and the willingness to build a common future.
The celebration featured a delightful presentation of Portuguese cuisine, offering guests the opportunity to savor classic dishes like bacalhau, piri-piri chicken, and pastel de nata. A specially arranged coffee corner and photo booth also drew the attention of participants.
The reception was attended by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain as Chief Guest, senior government officials, diplomatic community, business representatives, academics, civil society and media.
