LISBON, Nov 26 (NNN-Xinhua) — Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa welcomed the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s proclamation of May 5 as World Portuguese Language Day, Lusa News Agency reported.
“I’m very happy,” Rebelo de Sousa was quoted as saying. “It is the recognition of a great language in the world, one of the largest languages in the world, that we are proud of, Portuguese, and all who speak this language.”
“The fact that UNESCO, which is a worldwide organization, recognizes the role of the Portuguese language is due to Portuguese diplomacy in general, is due to the value of the Portuguese language,” he said.
“It is the first time that an unofficial language of that institution has received this consecration, and we all hope it will be a first step towards becoming a working language,” said the president.
UNESCO on Monday ratified the proposal presented by the Lusophone countries to celebrate the World Day of Portuguese Language on May 5.
In ratifying the proposal, UNESCO said that “it is necessary to implement broader cooperation among peoples through multilateralism, cultural rapprochement and dialogue between civilizations, in line with what is stipulated in the Constitution” of this organization. — NNN-XINHUA
