Profile and Background
The diplomatic relations of Pakistan and Portugal began in November 1949.
The two countries have established long-standing ties based on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared values.
Currently, Manuel Frederico Pinheiro Da Silva is the Portuguese Ambassador to Pakistan, who was officially assigned this position in June 2023.
Ambassador’s Experience in Pakistan:
It is a fact that when diplomats come and live in Pakistan, they begin to enjoy Pakistani culture, traditions, historic places, and attractive landscapes in the country.
Similarly, the Portuguese Ambassador has enjoyed his time in Pakistan. He has praised the country as well as Pakistani people.
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After being appointed in Pakistan, Frederico has traveled to several cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Taxila, Abbottabad, Murree, and GB to understand the cultural diversity of the country.
Frederico believes Pakistan is a beautiful country with lovely landscapes, greenery, and mountains, and its people are welcoming, family-oriented, kind, and hospitable.
Last year, in May 2023, he paid a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lahore Fort to see the restoration efforts being undertaken of the famous places.
These include world-renowned Sheesh Mahal and other monuments, including Loh Temple, Naulakha Pavilion, Royal Kitchen, and the Fort’s 400-year-old Picture Wall.
The beauty of Lahore and Lahore Fort is indescribable. The conservation works and projects undertaken by the Walled City of Lahore and Aga Khan Cultural Service are magnificent, supporting the growth of local artisans and ensuring the preservation of these assets for future generations.
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Frederico’s Meetings in Pakistan:
The Portuguese Ambassador has attended multiple events, including conferences and seminars, where he discussed Pak-Portugal bilateral cooperation in various fields.
In February, he and his delegation went to the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) International Office, Islamabad, and explored avenues for strengthening partnerships between Pakistan and Portugal.
Last month, he visited the University of South Asia, Lahore, where the ambassador delivered an insightful speech on the theme “Pakistan and Portugal in the Rapidly Changing World.”
After that, he engaged in an interactive dialogue with the audience to exchange ideas.
Moreover, he met with the Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, last month to explore possibilities of promoting mutual cooperation in education, health, IT, agriculture, and tourism.
Pakistan-Portugal Fields of Cooperation:
Pakistan and Portugal have developed a growing connection, particularly in trade, technology, textiles, and education.
Both countries have looked into opportunities for partnership in areas like renewable energy.
Portugal is a pioneer of renewable energy, with more than 60% of its energy generated from solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
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Currently, Portugal is offering its expertise in sustainable power solutions to Pakistan, as the latter is committed to clean and green energy.
Furthermore, there have been increased technological exchanges. Portugal’s advances in digital innovation are supporting Pakistan’s growing tech economy.
Both countries look forward to collaborating in the fields of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and e-governance.
Additionally, Pakistan is an expert in the textile and shoe industries, which could benefit Portugal and increase the trade flow, which is currently at $300 million.
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Lastly, student exchanges and cooperative research projects have also improved educational linkages. In the future, more educational and cultural exchanges are expected.
