KSA is our second home, says Portuguese envoy

RIYADH: Portuguese Ambassador Dr. Manuel Carvalho said that the relationship between the two countries is very old and friendly.
“We strive to make it closer,” the envoy said in an address on his country’s National Day celebrations in the presence of Riyadh Mayor Ibrahim Al-Sultan and members of the diplomatic corps.
He said the embassy has been promoting personal and business ties between the two countries.
Extending his greetings to his countrymen, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Saudi citizens, the ambassador said: “We continue to develop cooperation in areas like agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, health, education, construction and, of course, renewable energy.”
On tourism, he said Saudis have been visiting Portugal and enjoying new experience there. Now visas can be requested not just in Riyadh, but also in Jeddah and soon in Alkhobar.
According to him, Portugal is a nine-centuries-old modern European country with historical roots dating back to the ninth century. Its international presence is evident from the fact that several members of the international community speak Portuguese, the sixth most widely spoken language in the world.
“We are known for tourism, for the ocean, for being a diversified economy with skilled and friendly people, for being a leader in some technological areas. Over 50 percent of our energy is derived from the renewable source,” he said.
The envoy said, at the political level, since last year, “we had two meetings of the joint commission in both countries. We expect to soon have the first round of political consultations in foreign affairs.”
According to him, Portuguese companies have been contributing to the Saudi economy through joint ventures with Saudi partners.
Recently, the country outsourced the visa application process to VFS Global to serve the increasing demand for Portuguese visas by Saudis, by 30 to 40 percent.
Pointing out that his country received 15 million visitors last year thanks to the hassle-free system for issuing visas, the envoy expects a higher volume of tourist traffic to Portugal.