The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, sent congratulatory cables to His Excellency President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on the occasion of his re-election as President of the Republic of Portugal for a new presidential term. In their cables, the Saudi leadership expressed their sincerest congratulations and best wishes to President de Sousa for continued success and prosperity, and to the friendly people of Portugal for further progress and prosperity.
Background of the Portuguese presidential elections
This victory for center-right President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa underscores his widespread popularity in Portugal. The elections took place amidst global challenges, most notably the coronavirus pandemic, yet they witnessed a high level of democratic participation that reflected the political awareness of the Portuguese people. De Sousa, a former law professor and well-known media personality, is known for his approachability and ability to build bridges between the country's diverse political factions, qualities that contributed to his winning a second five-year term.
The importance of Saudi-Portuguese relations
This congratulatory message holds particular significance within the context of the long-standing diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Portugal. These relations, dating back decades, are built on mutual respect and shared interests. Portugal, as an active member of the European Union, is a key partner for the Kingdom on the international stage. This diplomatic gesture reflects the Kingdom's commitment to strengthening ties of friendship and cooperation with its international partners and underscores the continued joint efforts to achieve stability and growth at both the regional and global levels.
Prospects for future cooperation and its impact
President de Sousa's continued tenure is expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. Economically, there are promising opportunities to increase trade and mutual investments, particularly given Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals of diversifying the economy and attracting foreign investment in emerging sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and tourism—areas in which Portugal possesses significant expertise. Relations can also flourish in the cultural and tourism spheres, as the global interest in exploring diverse cultures grows, and both Saudi Arabia and Portugal represent destinations with rich histories and cultural heritages. The stability of the Portuguese political leadership provides a positive environment for translating these opportunities into tangible partnerships that benefit the people of both nations.
