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German-Portuguese talks in Lisbon
Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle joined his Portuguese opposite number, Paulo Portas, to open the German-Portuguese Forum in Lisbon on 24 January. The two Foreign Ministers also held bilateral talks to discuss current European and global issues.
(left to right) Foreign Ministers Portas and Westerwelle talking to Artur Santos Silva, President of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, at the first German-Portuguese Forum
© picture alliance / dpa
(left to right) Foreign Ministers Portas and Westerwelle talking to Artur Santos Silva, President of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, at the first German-Portuguese Forum
(left to right) Foreign Ministers Portas and Westerwelle talking to Artur Santos Silva, President of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, at the first German-Portuguese Forum
© picture alliance / dpa
In his address to the large audience at the opening, representing both countries’ business, political and academic spheres as well as civil society, Westerwelle spoke in part about Europe. “More that half a millennium ago,” he said, “Portugal taught us to navigate by the stars. Europe set out on the high seas; it came upon new shores and flourished culturally and economically. Today, we are still guided by stars – though these are the twelve golden stars of the European Union.”
Among the topics Westerwelle touched on were the current challenges facing Europe – especially overcoming the debt crisis – and Portugal’s efforts to improve its own economic and fiscal situation.
“Portugal is an important partner in overcoming the crisis.”
Foreign Ministers Westerwelle and Portas
© picture alliance / dpa
Foreign Ministers Westerwelle and Portas
Foreign Ministers Westerwelle and Portas
© picture alliance / dpa
The European debt crisis, Portugal’s consolidation efforts and the future of the EU were also raised in an interview Westerwelle gave the Portuguese daily Público to mark his visit. “Portugal,” Westerwelle underlined, “is an important partner to us in overcoming the crisis.” He said that Germany had the greatest respect for the work Portugal was doing, pointing to successes already achieved in many areas, such as privatization and the creation of an attractive investment environment. “A return to the financial markets is now within reach,” he went on, “What we feel is important now is to stay on this road.”
This is the first time the German-Portuguese Forum has been held. The Forum has financial support from the Federal Foreign Office and is run by Germany’s Institute for European Politics and the Instituto Português de Relações Internacionais alongside the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
More on German‑Portuguese relations
Last updated 24.01.2013