ISLAMABAD: Portugal’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Paulo Domingues, says he “cannot imagine a better diplomatic posting” after experiencing the warmth, kindness and hospitality of the Pakistani people, describing his time in Islamabad as one of the most rewarding assignments of his diplomatic career.
Reflecting on his experience, he remarked that Islamabad’s hospitality had been so exceptional that he jokingly wondered whether the city should be called “Islamabest” instead of Islamabad.
Highlighting the state of bilateral relations, Paulo Domingues said Portugal and Pakistan were celebrating 76 years of diplomatic ties built on friendship, dialogue and mutual respect. He described the relationship in two Urdu words — “Dosti aur Bharosa” (friendship and trust) — and said cooperation between the two countries was expanding in politics, trade, education and people-to-people exchanges.
He noted that around 50,000 Pakistanis now live in Portugal and play an important role in strengthening links between the two nations.
The ambassador also thanked Pakistan for supporting Portugal’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2027–2028, describing the backing as a gesture of friendship and confidence.
Commending Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in addressing international challenges, Paulo Domingues said the country was playing an increasingly constructive role in facilitating dialogue and promoting peaceful solutions.
He particularly welcomed Pakistan’s contribution to recent peace initiatives and said the agreement expected to be signed in Geneva later this week demonstrated that diplomacy can prevail over conflict.
“Dialogue is always stronger than confrontation,” he said, adding that Pakistan and Portugal shared a common commitment to peace, cooperation and mutual understanding.
