I congratulate the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its people and its authorities on the occasion of the National Day.

Saudi Arabia is a pivotal country in the world stage — the cradle of Islam, the root of one of the most spoken languages of mankind, a major economic power, a member of the G20, a key oil producer, a decisive player in the Middle East and a reliable partner at the heart of a very unstable region.

Saudi Arabia is also the home for many foreigners who live, work and are well received here — including myself and other Portuguese, compatriots of mine. We join in celebrating KSA's National Day.

Manuel Carvalho,

Ambassador of Portugal in Riyadh