LISBON, 21 June — Riyadh Governor Prince Salman held talks here yesterday with Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio and discussed issues of mutual concern and ways of boosting bilateral relations. Prince Salman conveyed the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, to the president.
The Riyadh governor, the highest-ranking Saudi official to visit Portugal in 20 years, also met with the Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres and other senior officials. He also attended a luncheon hosted in his honor by Sampaio at the presidential palace. Prince Faisal ibn Salman and members of the Saudi delegation attended the luncheon.
Speaking to reporters after meeting with Prince Salman, the Portuguese prime minister said the royal visit would open new areas of cooperation between the two countries. “I have discussed with the prince a number of issues, most importantly ways of boosting bilateral relations.”
He described Saudi Arabia as an important partner in the Arab and Islamic world. Referring to the Middle East, he said Portugal favored a peaceful solution to the Palestinian issue. “We give due respect to the Muslim community in our country,” he said, and underscored Portugal’s historic relations with Arab and Islamic countries.
Meanwhile, a spokesman at the presidential palace highlighted the significance of Prince Salman’s visit in the light of the strong political and economic relations between the two countries. “Saudi Arabia is an influential country in the world.”
Abdul Majeed Wakeel, head of the Muslim community in Portugal, lauded Saudi Arabia’s support for Muslims all over the world. He said the Kingdom had contributed more than 50 percent of the cost of the largest mosque in Lisbon. The mosque will be named after Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd at a function to be attended by Prince Salman tomorrow.
He put the number of Muslims in Portugal at about 35,000. There are three mosques and 16 prayer halls in Lisbon, he added.
