PANAJI: The Governor, Dr S S Sidhu, highlighted the fact that relations between India and Portugal were warm and cordial and that both countries had made concerted efforts to further step up the excellent ties and develop a multifaceted partnership.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion of the reception hosted by the Consul General of Portugal, Dr Paulo Neves Pocinho, in connection with Portugal Day in the city, Dr Sidhu stated that the over four-century-long Portuguese presence in Goa had left behind a socio-cultural legacy in diverse areas like art, music, dance, architecture and cuisine.
The Governor recalled that the Portuguese President, Cavaco Silva had a very successful visit to India in January 2007 and that Prime Minister, Jose Socrates was in this country in November-December of the same year as President of the EU to attend the India-EU Summit following which a bilateral summit with India also took place.
The desire of both countries to enhance trade and economic relations, science and technology ties and build on the solid cultural relationship has been reflected in increased exchanges between India and Portugal in the last couple of years. New areas of cooperation are being explored, including collaboration in third countries Dr Sidhu stated.
The Governor stated that the process of globalisation and cross-cultural networking has opened up new and hitherto unseen vistas to achieve greater inert-sectoral progress in our mutual relationship and economic development. “Today, nations are becoming increasing interconnected and interdependent economically, commercially, intellectually and culturally,” he observed.
Pointing out that the world had shrunk into a global village due to fast growth of air transport and IT-enabled services, the Governor stated that the pressing need of the day was that people of various nations should look upon themselves as friends and partners, not only in the field of economic progress but also in making this world a happy and peaceful abode for entire humanity. The emergence of newer knowledge and technological advancements should facilitate bridging gaps, wherever they existed, and in breaking down mental and emotional barriers that affected human relationships and progress, he added.