Celebrating the Pakistani Community as a Bridge between Pakistan and Portugal
The event highlighted the growing Pakistani community in Portugal, with Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Khalid Ejaz emphasizing their role as a bridge between the two nations. Significant educational ties, cultural exchanges, and notable attendees underscored the importance of integration and collaboration within this relationship.
The event celebrating the Pakistani community in Portugal featured Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Khalid Ejaz, who expressed gratitude to Vice Rector Professor Joao Calvao da Silva for co-hosting. He highlighted the University of Coimbra’s historical significance and its representation of Portugal’s academic legacy since its establishment in 1290.
Ambassador Ejaz remarked that the growing Pakistani community in Portugal, presently around 50,000, plays an essential role in bridging Pakistan and Portugal, particularly through the approximately 300 Pakistani students enrolled in various Portuguese universities, including 83 at the University of Coimbra. He underscored the importance of community integration and noted the contributions of Pakistanis in fields like IT and innovation.
The Ambassador also referenced the linguistic connection between Urdu and Portuguese, revealing an increasing interest in Portuguese language education in Pakistan. He mentioned the recent translation of Portuguese author Mr. Jose Luis Peixoto’s book, ‘Blank Gaze’ (Nenhum Olhar), into Urdu, representing a cultural exchange initiated by the Embassy to foster deeper connections through literature.
The celebration acknowledged the diplomatic achievements between Pakistan and Portugal since the establishment of bilateral relations. The event featured a musical performance, short documentaries showcasing Pakistani arts and crafts, and a photo exhibition highlighting Pakistan’s diverse landscapes and its historical political relations.
The gathering was well-attended by dignitaries, faculty, and students from various universities, including notable figures such as Prof. Dr. Albano Figueiredo and Ms. Silvia Silva Dias from Coimbra University. Additionally, prominent members of the Pakistani community participated, further emphasizing the collaborative spirit between the two nations.
The Pakistani community in Portugal serves as a vital connection between the two countries, with increasing integration and collaboration reflected in cultural exchanges and educational ties. With significant participation from students and community members, events like this foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of both cultures, enhancing the bilateral relationship that has continued to evolve over the years.
Original Source: www.theportugalnews.com
