Portugal President for strengthening ties with India

Mumbai, Jan 16 (UNI) The President of Republic of Portugal Anibal Antonio Cavaco Silva today expressed his country's keenness for strengthening political, economic and business relationships with India.

He was speaking at a function at Raj Bhavan this afternoon. The Governor S M Krishna hosted a high tea in honour of the visiting President.

President Silva was accompanied by a high level delegation comprising Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Luis Arnado, Minister for Economy and Innovation Mr Manuel Pinbo, Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education Prof Marjano Gago, Minister of Culture Prof Isabel Pares de Lima, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Prof Joao Gomes Cravinho and others.

Mr Silva became the President of Portugal on March 9 2006.

Earlier, he was Prime Minister of Portugal during 1985 and 1995.

His ten-year tenure was the longest of any democratically elected prime minister in Portuguese history. Prof Silva is a professor of Economic and a doctorate from the University of York. He was Minister of Finance in 1980, an official release said here today.

UNI