Portuguese National Day celebrated in style

The Portuguese Community celebrated their National Day on Sunday at the Royal Golf Club in Riffa. More than 150 attended the celebration including ambassadors, diplomats, senior officials and businessmen.   

The event was organised by prominent resident Mrs Benediçta Budagher, one of the longest Portuguese residents in the Kingdom (40 years), and her husband former Gulf Air Captain Ameen Fahad Budagher.

The couple has been organisers of the Portuguese National Day celebrations in Bahrain for the past decade. Guest of Honour Tawfeeq Ahmed Al Mansoor, Assistant Undersecretary for Western Countries and Afro-Asian Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bahrain, conveyed greetings from the Undersecretary of International Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, who wished the citizens of the Portuguese Republic further progress and prosperity.

Historically, the relationship between the two countries began nearly 500 years ago in 1521 with the first arrival of Portuguese navigators in Bahrain.

“Both countries share a great deal of cultural similarities, the Portuguese language incorporates a number of Arabic words more than any other language,” said Capt Budagher.

On a diplomatic scale, both countries forged a relationship in 1976. “The Portuguese have been involved in many projects in Bahrain, including Asry,” revealed Capt Budagher. The Portuguese community in Bahrain account to nearly 100 citizens spread across various fields such as medical, engineering, trade and education. “The relationship the Portuguese have with Bahrain is very courteous. There are many forms of relationship, such a trade, business and tourism,” said Capt Budagher.

“We have a lot of Bahrainis that seek higher education in Portugal. Our future plans to strengthen and improve the bond between both countries is to emphasis on trade, education and cultural-exchange,” he added.