President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has commended Portugal on its National Day observed on Saturday, June 10, 2017.

Portugal Day or Portugal’s National Day, officially known as Dia de Camões, de Portugal e das Comunidades Portuguesas ('Day of Camões, Portugal, and the Portuguese Communities'), commemorates the death of Luís de Camões on June 10, 1580.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Liberian leader extended to her Portuguese counterpart, His Excellency Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal, best wishes to the Government and people of Portugal, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, and in her own name.

“As we join you in commemorating the death of the national literary icon Luis de Camoes in 1580, we are reminded of the excellent bonds of amity subsisting between our two countries and peoples,” President Sireaf said.

She further told President de Sousa that her government is hopeful that the relationship between the two countries will be further strengthened and expanded to the private sector to include fisheries, tourism, and agriculture, to name a few areas ready for exploration to both nations’ mutual interests.

President Sirleaf wished for the good health of H.E. Mr. de Sousa, and for the Government and people of Portugal, peace, happiness and success in their undertakings.