Ambassador of Portugal Visits University of Gujrat to Celebrate 75 Years of Diplomatic Ties

GUJRAT: On Sunday, February 2, 2025, the University of Gujrat (UOG) had the honor of hosting the Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan, Frederico Silva, as part of the celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Portugal. The visit was warmly welcomed by the Vice Chancellor of UOG, Prof. Dr. Zahoor-ul-Haq, who expressed enthusiasm for the potential collaboration between the two nations.

During the visit, Ambassador Silva highlighted the significance of the 75-year milestone in diplomatic ties, stressing the importance of mutual cooperation in various sectors, particularly in academia. He pointed out that the long-standing relationship between Portugal and Pakistan has fostered a spirit of collaboration, which can be further strengthened through educational and research partnerships. The Ambassador expressed a keen interest in developing initiatives to facilitate knowledge exchange and joint research projects between Portuguese and Pakistani institutions.

Prof. Dr. Zahoor-ul-Haq, in his address, shared a strong desire to establish robust research and academic collaborations with Portuguese universities. He acknowledged Portugal’s rich cultural and educational heritage and expressed hope that such partnerships would benefit both the academic community and broader societal development in both countries. The Vice Chancellor emphasized that collaboration in research could lead to innovative solutions for shared challenges.

Ambassador Silva also discussed potential areas of cooperation, including culture, sustainable development, and research. He reiterated that both countries could benefit from each other’s experiences, particularly in fields like climate, energy, and women’s empowerment. His vision for the future focused on fostering an academic environment where students and researchers from both nations could collaborate and learn from each other.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from both sides to explore further avenues for collaboration. Prof. Dr. Zahoor-ul-Haq extended an invitation to the Ambassador to facilitate connections with Portuguese universities, aiming to create a framework for academic exchanges and joint research initiatives.

As part of his visit, the Ambassador toured several departments of the university to gain insights into the academic environment and ongoing research initiatives. He was particularly impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities and the dedication of the faculty and students. In a highlight of the day, Ambassador Silva participated in a short interview in the digital studio of the Mass Communication department, where he discussed the importance of media in fostering international understanding and cooperation.

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This visit not only marked a significant moment in the diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Portugal but also set the stage for future collaborations that could enhance educational opportunities and deepen cultural understanding between the two nations.