VASCO
President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo De Sousa arrived in the State on Saturday and was welcomed by Protocol Minister Mauvin Godinho at the Dabolim International Airport.
Godinho also had a brief discussion with the president at the airport.
Chief Secretary Parimal Rai, Consul General of Portugal in Goa Antonio Tavares, Collector South Goa Ajay Rawat, SP Bossuet Silva and Isha Khosla were among the officials present to greet the Portuguese president on his arrival at Dabolim Airport.
He was welcomed at the international airport here by troupes performing traditional dances, and feted at Chicalim and Sirodao villages by local residents, officials said.
A huge convoy of around 30 cars, which included police escort vehicles, ambulance and fire brigade, was present at the airport as a part of security arrangements for the visiting Portuguese president. A strong police force was present at the airport to provide security while traffic police staff managed traffic around the airport. Mormugao DySP Raju Raut Dessai and SP Arvind Gawas were among the police officials present to oversee security arrangements at the airport.
After arriving out of departure gates along with Protocol Minister Mauvin Godinho, the Portuguese president waved out to a large number of people who had gathered to have a glimpse of him. De Sousa later left along with Godinho for Panaji.
According to sources, De Sousa is on a two-day visit to Goa, during which Goa and Portugal will sign an MoU on water and sewerage management, wherein Portugal will provide consultancy and technical assistance to the PWD in the State.
De Sousa will also inaugurate a seminar on Urban Designs organised by Imagine Panjim Smart City Development Limited and will attend a dinner hosted by Governor Satya Pal Malik at the Raj Bhavan.
On Sunday, the Portuguese president is scheduled to visit Santa Monica Church and Museum of Christian Art at Old Goa. He will be leaving Goa on Sunday, officials said.
Portuguese President Marcelo de Sousa was felicitated by CM Pramod Sawant at Adil Shah Palace on Saturday evening, after arriving from Mumbai.
Narayan Pissurlenkar
