DIPLOMATIC TIES WITH TÜRKİYE REACH 100 YEARS
Portuguese Ambassador Maria Virgínia Mendes da Silva Pina highlighted growing political, economic and cultural ties between Portugal and Türkiye as the two countries prepare to mark the centenary of diplomatic relations in 2026.
Portugal celebrated its National Day in Ankara on June 10 with a reception hosted by Portuguese Ambassador to Türkiye Maria Virgínia Mendes da Silva Pina at the Hilton Ankara. The event was attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Hacı Ali Özel, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, business representatives and guests.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Pina highlighted that 2026 marks the centenary of diplomatic relations between Portugal and Türkiye. “I would like to begin by noting that next year marks 100 years of diplomatic relations between Portugal and Türkiye. Our two countries enjoy excellent relations, and we have strengthened these ties even further in recent years,” she said.
Pina pointed to the growing number of high-level visits between the two countries, noting that Portugal had welcomed its foreign minister, minister of infrastructure and housing, minister of economy, minister of defence and speaker of parliament to Türkiye over the past ten months. She also recalled Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s visit to Lisbon in January.
ECONOMIC TIES AT A HISTORIC HIGH
The ambassador said economic relations between the two countries are stronger than ever. “There have been significant increases in both trade and investment, and there remains considerable potential for further growth. In the first quarter of 2026, Portuguese exports to Türkiye increased by 44 percent. We are truly moving in the right direction,” she said.
Pina also noted the growing connectivity between the two countries, with weekly flights reaching 41. She added that an increasing number of Turkish citizens are discovering Portugal and that the country ranked as the sixth most popular European Union destination for Turkish Erasmus students in 2025.
CELEBRATING CAMÕES AND PORTUGUESE CULTURE
The ambassador said this year also holds special cultural significance for Portugal as it marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of Luís Vaz de Camões, widely regarded as the country’s greatest poet. “This year we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the birth of Luís Vaz de Camões. National Day is also a celebration of the Portuguese language and culture, inspired by his legacy,” she said.
Pina also noted that 2026 will mark the 50th anniversary of Portugal’s Constitution, which laid the foundations of the country’s modern democratic system, as well as the 40th anniversary of Portugal’s accession to the European Union.
SUPPORT FOR STRONGER TÜRKİYE-EU RELATIONS
The ambassador reiterated Portugal’s support for European Union enlargement and for Türkiye’s accession process, provided that membership criteria are met. “Having experienced the benefits of European Union membership firsthand, Portugal supports the accession of all candidate countries, including Türkiye, once the relevant criteria are fulfilled. Until then, we advocate an even closer relationship with Türkiye. The closer we are, the better we can work together,” she said.
Pina also stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing Russia’s war against Ukraine, the situation in Gaza and broader instability across the Middle East. She said Portugal supports Türkiye’s efforts to contribute to peace and stability in these regions.
The ambassador also recalled that Portugal had been elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term and thanked Türkiye for its support during the election process. She further noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), where Türkiye holds observer status.
TRADE VOLUME EXPECTED TO SURPASS $4 BILLION
Deputy Foreign Minister Hacı Ali Özel said the centenary of diplomatic relations reflects the deep-rooted ties between the two countries. He noted that bilateral trade reached $3.7 billion in 2025 and expressed confidence that the figure would exceed $4 billion by the end of this year.
Özel also welcomed Portugal’s support for Türkiye’s European Union accession process and praised Lisbon’s support for the recognition of the State of Palestine and a two-state solution.
During the reception, guests watched a video art installation by a Turkish visual artist that brought Camões to Ankara audiences for the first time. Traditional Portuguese cuisine, including the country’s famous pastéis de nata, as well as Portuguese beverages, were served throughout the evening.
