President Moon Jae-in on April 15 exchanged letters with Portuguese counterpart Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to commemorate the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations. President Moon is shown here on the same day at the presidential office speaking at an extended meeting of economy-related ministers. (Cheong Wa Dae's official Facebook page)

By Elias Molina and Lee Jihae

President Moon Jae-in on April 15 exchanged letters with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to commemorate the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations.

Cheong Wa Dae Spokesperson Kang Min-seok said in a written briefing that President Moon in the letter wrote that since forging official ties in 1961, both countries have developed a close cooperative relationship in various sectors such as politics, economy and culture.

The chief executive said he hopes for efforts not only to boost relations with Lisbon, but also Korea's cooperation with the European Union (EU) since Portugal is the EU chair country for the first half of this year.

The Portuguese leader said, "Over the last six decades, we have continuously and unequivocally developed our friendly relationship based on the common interests of our two countries."  

"We will cooperate toward further strengthening bilateral ties over successive generations." 

eliasmolina@korea.kr