The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, announced in Boston, Massachusetts, that he will travel to Washington, D.C., later this month to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit is scheduled for June 27, according to sources cited by the Portuguese American Journal.
While in Boston, President Rebelo de Sousa praised the “pride” expressed by Portuguese communities residing in the United States, adding that he intends to convey that same pride to President Trump during their meeting.
President Rebelo de Sousa remarked: “He [President Trump] may well thank the Portuguese because our community, which works tirelessly for the future of the United States, is honest, hardworking, competent, and deeply honored by Portugal. They love the United States but never forget their homeland—our beloved Portugal.”
White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirmed the visit, reiterating that “President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will visit on June 27.”
Sanders stated that the visit will highlight “the culmination of a month-long celebration of the Portuguese-American community” and serve to honor the strong ties between the two nations.
She emphasized that Portugal is a key NATO ally and a partner in Afghanistan, noting that the meeting will focus on “strengthening the countries’ cooperation in addressing global conflicts, promoting economic prosperity, and other shared priorities.”
Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal:
On June 27, 2018, President Donald J. Trump will welcome President Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal to the White House. The visit will mark the culmination of a month-long celebration of the Portuguese-American community and the close bond between the United States and Portugal. Portugal is an important NATO Ally and a partner in Afghanistan and the crisis regions of Africa. It has also joined in pressuring North Korea. Together, the United States and Portugal will look to deepen cooperation in addressing global conflicts, promoting economic prosperity, and strengthening energy security. The two leaders will meet for a private conversation, followed by an expanded bilateral meeting.
President of Portugal greeting the community.(Photo/RTP)
President Rebelo de Sousa also announced he will return to the United States in November to visit more Portuguese communities. He said he was aware that some Portuguese resident communities were saddened because he couldn’t visit them at this time.
“In November, I will be with the Portuguese communities that I didn’t meet now,” he said, “I promise that in November I will visit the communities that I could not visit in June. I will come to Fall River, which I know are very sad. But I will come here in November” he reiterated.
paj.staff.updated.06/15/18
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The President of Portugal visited Boston on June 10 for the celebrations of the 10th of June (Day of Portugal). He was accompanied by Prime Minister António Costa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Augusto Santos and Vasco Cordeiro the President of the Government of the Azores. In Providence (RI), on June 10, the President Rebelo the Sousa wwas honored by the resident Portuguese American community with a dinner at the Capital Grille Restaurant, partaking as guest of honor in the “Water Fire and Portuguese Street Festival” at the Water Place Park. On June 11, additional events in Boston included the 34th annual Heritage Day of Portugal, honoring the President of Portugal at the Massachusetts State House. The ceremony, sponsored by the Portuguese American Legislative Caucus, also feature the presentation of the Heritage Day of Portugal awards to Massachusetts Portuguese-American individuals who have served as leaders in their respective communities.
