Press Statement Joint Press Conference between President Higgins and President Cavaco Silva of Portugal
Date: Wed 9th Dec, 2015 | 15:00
President Cavaco Silva and I have had the opportunity of discussions on a number of issues. The courtesy which President Cavaco Silva and Doutora Maria Cavaco Silva have extended to Sabina and myelf is greatly appreciated by both of us and by the Irish people.
We discussed the challenge of climate change, where we both expressed our hope for a positive outcome from the COP21 talks ongoing in Paris, and the importance of financing and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We are at a critical moment in the multilateral system when the challenge of developing an appropriate institutional architecture – particularly within the United Nations, is urgent. The issues of climate change, development, debt, and a fair trading environment are all interlinked and require a cohesive and comprehensive response.
In recent years our citizens have felt the pain of austerity and have experienced a fall in their living standards. While prospects are now more positive and the future is brighter for both countries, many challenges remain; including the level of unemployment and particularly youth unemployment, which is simply not sustainable. It was important that the recovery extend to all of our populations, in a way that is inclusive and achieves social cohesion.
We discussed present issues facing the European Union, the future of the Union and the importance of restating inclusive and founding values of the Union. I expressed the belief that the crucial issue for Europe is to institute a rebalance between the objectives of social cohesion and institutional integration. I believe that by strengthening the “social floor” in Europe, the Union can regain the confidence and support of the European publics.
Among the global issues we discussed was the current refugee situation in Europe. Ireland and Portugal are at a geographic remove from the huge numbers of refugees and migrants arriving to the EU; nevertheless we have to be aware of the human tragedy that is unfolding with grave concern. It is important that at European Union level there is a comprehensive and coherent response that lives up to our ideals and humanitarian obligations.
We also discussed the recent attacks in France, Mali, Tunisia and Lebanon and elsewhere, which highlight the fact that international terrorism poses a growing global threat. We agreed that is for Europe, it is essential that our response is informed by and grounded in our common commitment to the values of human rights and civil liberties.
In the case of both our nations, many of our people live outside our respective borders; spread across all four continents. I believe there are similarities in the way our two countries engage with our global diaspora and I know that President Cavaco Silva has been leading in the development of Portugal’s diaspora engagement.
Again and finally, on behalf of Sabina and myself and all Irish people I want to thank President Cavaco Silva and Doutora Maria Cavaco Silva for their much appreciated invitation and their warm hospitality on this very special State visit.
