“WE MUST BUILD A STRONGER RELATIONSHIP WITH TÜRKİYE”
Portuguese Ambassador to Türkiye, Virgínia Pina, stated, “We must build a stronger relationship with Türkiye, because the closer we are, the more productive our cooperation will be.”
M. Ferhat YÜKSEL
Portugal’s National Day was celebrated with a reception at the Hilton Hotel in Ankara. Hosted by Ambassador Virgínia Pina, the event welcomed Deputy Foreign Minister and EU Affairs Chair of Türkiye Ambassador Mehmet Kemal Bozay, along with many other ambassadors, diplomats, and guests.
In her speech, Ambassador Pina noted that they were also honoring the Portuguese language and culture on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the birth of Portuguese poet Luís Vaz de Camões. Referring to Portuguese communities abroad, she added, “We honor all Portuguese people, wherever in the world they may live.”
WE MUST CHOOSE DEMOCRACY AND THE RULE OF LAW
Pina emphasized that 2025 will mark several key anniversaries for Portugal, the most important being the 50th anniversary of the country’s first democratic elections held on April 25, 1975, just a year after the Carnation Revolution. “That day, the Portuguese people confirmed their choice to live in a democratic country with full respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights,” she said. She expressed hope that all nations would embrace democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights.
Pina explained that Portugal’s accession to the European Union began with this path of democratization. “Democracy and EU membership are values that shape our national identity,” she said. “And I will never tire of repeating that.”
SUPPORT FOR TÜRKİYE’S EU MEMBERSHIP
Pina affirmed that Portugal supports the EU membership of all candidate countries, including Türkiye, provided they meet the necessary criteria. She added:
“Until that time, we must build a stronger relationship with Türkiye, because the closer we are, the more productive our cooperation will be.”
She noted that the crisis in Gaza and Russia’s aggression in Ukraine have shown how vital joint efforts are for global peace and stability. She also praised Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts in this regard.
100 YEARS OF RELATIONS
Deputy Foreign Minister Mehmet Kemal Bozay recalled in his speech that diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Portugal were established in 1926, and next year will mark their 100th anniversary. “Even though they are located at opposite ends of the European continent, Türkiye and Portugal share Mediterranean cultures,” he said.
Bozay noted Türkiye’s determination to strengthen people-to-people, business, and cultural ties with Portugal. “The Erasmus program reflects this approach and mirrors the philosophy of Yunus Emre. This spirit is visible in the visits of Turkish students and citizens to Portugal,” he said.
$3 BILLION TRADE VOLUME
Bozay also highlighted the steady rise in trade, now reaching nearly $3 billion. He pointed out that cooperation in the defense industry contributes to stronger bilateral relations. “Portugal’s support in Türkiye’s EU accession process is valuable,” he said. “We want to work more closely with Portugal on new programs and projects.”
