Lisbon [Portugal]: In a moment of historic significance, President Droupadi Murmu was awarded the prestigious “Key of Honour” by the City of Lisbon during a ceremony held at the historic Camara Municipal de Lisboa (City Hall) on Monday.
The event was graced by several eminent personalities from Lisbon, including members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of the Indian and Indo-Portuguese community.
In a special ceremony hosted by the Mayor of Lisbon at the historic Câmara Municipal de Lisboa (City Hall), President Droupadi Murmu was presented with the "Key of Honour" of Lisbon City. The ceremony was attended by several eminent citizens of Lisbon, including the diplomatic… pic.twitter.com/SLoyKGgRme
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 7, 2025
Taking to social media platform X, the President shared her appreciation:
“In a special ceremony hosted by the Mayor of Lisbon at the historic Camara Municipal de Lisboa, I was presented with the ‘Key of Honour’ of Lisbon City. I thank the Mayor and the people of Lisbon for this warm gesture and praise their affectionate nature, open-mindedness, and spirit of tolerance and diversity.”
India and Portugal: A Long-Standing Friendship
In her address, President Murmu highlighted India’s aspirations:
“We are working to make India a developed country — ‘Viksit Bharat’ — by 2047, aiming for a prosperous, inclusive, and human-centric society.”
She emphasized Portugal’s role as a key European partner:
“Portugal has been an essential partner of India in promoting our ties with the European Union and Lusophone countries. Our cultural ties go back centuries and continue to influence our everyday lives.”
Bilateral Talks with Portuguese President
Earlier in the day, President Murmu held extensive bilateral discussions with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal. The leaders exchanged views on:
- Trade & investment
- Renewable energy
- IT & innovation
- Regional and global cooperation
- Connectivity & multilateral engagement
According to Rashtrapati Bhavan’s post on X:
“Both leaders agreed that the bilateral relationship is rooted in mutual trust and shared values. They pledged to strengthen collaboration across key sectors.”
A Historic Visit After 27 Years
President Murmu’s visit to Portugal marks the first Indian Presidential visit in 27 years, the last being by President K R Narayanan in 1998.