PANJIM: With the aim of easing the visa process especially for students, Panjim Mayor Surendra Furtado suggested to the Portuguese Consul General Francisco Duarte Azavedo, a sister city concept between Goa’s capital city Panjim and Portugal’s capital city Lisbon.
“I have been discussing with most of the Consul Generals that we should have sister city relationship between Panjim and Lisbon. Lot of our students from Goa want to go abroad for studies. They face difficulties in getting visas and admission in those universities. If Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) could be of any help or assistance, let our young boys and girls get the facility,” Furtado told the media after a brief meeting with Azavedo
“I am concerned of the education of the students of Panjim, if the city can get benefit then definitely the other cities of Goa can also benefit. CCP is trying to be the facilitator,” Furtado said.
The Mayor added that both countries should forget the bitterness of the past and look forward for a brighter future with collaboration with each other.
“We have to forget the past and move on. There was a freedom movement to liberate Goa, due to which there was lot of bitterness but now with the world changing both countries must forget about the past and start something new if we have to improve the quality of life. The countries will have to take assistance from each other keeping aside religion, politics and other issues,” he said.
The meeting between the Mayor and Portuguese Consul General stressed on the cooperation need from Portugal to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Panjim.
“I have told the Consul General of Portugal that Panjim will be celebrating its 175th anniversary on March 23, 2018. Since Portugal ruled Goa for 450 years it would be nice if they could assist us in different ways like art and culture, tourism, urban management. I have also urged the Consul General to think of something where his country could be the part of this celebration and he has assured me that he shall convey this to his counterpart in Portugal,” Furtado added. He disclosed that the State has slotted some amount in the annual budget for celebrating the 175th anniversary of Panjim.
