Portugal’s President Says Wants to Visit Russia, Host Putin, Set to Expand Ties

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) — Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa told Sputnik that he would like to come to Russia and have Russian leader Vladimir Putin visit Portugal.

"I would very much like to visit Russia and to host your president in Portugal, "De Sousa said on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. "We shall try a way to fix a time and make it concrete either one of the visits or the other one."

Moreover, Portugal would like to expand its relations with Russia in all areas including economic and cultural ties, President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa told Sputnik on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

"I see it [the relationship develop] in a very positive way. Happily, we have seen a strengthening of the relationships between the two countries and I think it will improve in the future," De Sousa said.

When asked in what areas he would like to strengthen the cooperation with Russia, De Sousa stated, "All the areas. Economically. socially, because we have a very strong Russian community in Portugal. Culturally, we have very good cultural ties. So we have plenty of things to do in the future."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with his Portuguese counterpart Augusto Santos Silva in Moscow on July 17-18 during his working visit to Russia.

Russia and Portugal mark the 42nd anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations in 2016. The two countries continue developing a broad cooperation in all areas, including politics, economy as well as education, culture, science and social exchanges, according to the Portuguese embassy in Russia.