Lavrov sends condolences over death of ex-Portuguese President Soares, notes his role in development of Moscow-Lisbon ties
MOSCOW. Jan 10 (Interfax) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday visited the Portuguese Embassy, where he signed a book of condolences opened following the death of Portugal's former President Mario Soares.
"On behalf of the Foreign Ministry of Russia and on my own behalf, I offer sincere condolences to the leadership and the people of Portugal over the death of Mario Soares. He was an outstanding figure, who stood at the roots of Portuguese statehood, who always prioritized the interests of his own people and who gained profound respect in the world due to his position in favor of strengthening security in the international arena," Lavrov said.
"Our country will always remember the attention that Mario Soares gave to the development of friendly ties between the peoples of our countries. In this sad time for the Portuguese we are mourning together with them," he said.
Mario Soares twice held the post of Portugal's prime minister, was Portuguese president from 1986 to 1996 and founded the Socialist Party of Portugal. He died at a Lisbon hospital on January 7 aged 92.
