Portugal’s President today said he was convinced that Portugal will continue to honour its European commitments, as to do so is crucial for the credibility of the country, for the confidence of investors and to keep international markets calm.
"Portugal is a country respected by European Union countries, precisely because it is a country that takes seriously its European commitments. This will not change, it is my conviction," said the head of state.
Cavaco Silva was speaking to journalists at the Palace of Belém at a joint press conference with his visitor, the Bulgarian president Rosen Plevneliev who today began a two day state visit to Portugal.
Cavaco Silva reiterated the need for the country to respect the commitments made to the other countries of the European Union; with its NATO partners and always to respect the rules of the European Union and the eurozone.
Portugal and Bulgaria's president's today stressed the importance of a "united and cohesive" response from Europe to the current refugee crisis and the need for a global and comprehensive view of the problem.
"The refugee crisis requires a joint effort. Portugal and Bulgaria represent part of the solution, but it requires a common European approach" said the Bulgarian President.
Cavaco Silva warned of the need to "look at the reasons" for the origin of migration, pointing to the summit scheduled for next week in Malta where he stressed the importance of "working together with countries of origin, of transit and destination."
The Malta summit in Valletta is scheduled for 11 and 12 November where European and African leaders will meet.
Plevneliev says that an ambitious European foreign policy is needed to contribute to conflict resolution, as is a reduction in CO2 emissions:
"This migratory wave is nothing compared with what might be when they start to feel the effects of climate change", as widespread drought can only be averted by calling for commitments on reducing greenhouse gases.”
The two presidents then contented themselves with statements about joint efforts in tourism, infrastructure and pharmaceuticals and strengthening economic relations with Bulgaria, a country where some 450 Portuguese companies already do business.
But it was the refugee crisis that journalists wanted answers to, not too happy with the blandishment of "the refugee crisis requires a joint effort. Portugal and Bulgaria represent part of the solution, but it requires a common European approach."
The Portuguese president also stressed the willingness of Portugal to welcome refugees, but omitted to mention that not a single one had yet arrived.
Rosen Plevneliev has been President of Bulgaria since January 2012. He is due to meet the current Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho, visit the Assembly and will meet its speaker, Ferro Rodrigues.
Bulgaria has a special interest in a successful outcome from the Malta conference as it is one of the European Union countries through which thousands of refugees from Asia and the Middle East have been travelling.
