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Irish president starts 3-day official visit to Portugal

Xinhua, December 10, 2015 Adjust font size:

Irish President Michael Higgins started a three-day state visit to Portugal on Wednesday at the invitation of his Portuguese counterpart Anibal Cavaco Silva.

During their meeting at the Belem Palace in Lisbon, Portuguese President Cavaco Silva said that terrorism is not just a problem of countries like France, Britain, the Netherlands and requires "a real European response in which Europe has to bring out the value of solidarity."

He also made reference to the refugee crisis, saying it is necessary to "look at the root causes of migration of many, many thousands coming to the borders of Europe" and that the countries of origin, transit and destination "work together to provide a supportive and effective response" to the crisis in Europe.

On his part, Higgins warned that "one should not fall into the trap of fear" that terrorism aims and called for a comprehensive EU response to the migration crisis.

"Terrorism wants to maximize fear, I think we must not fall into the trap. We have to know how to respond within legal frameworks, but not to become too alarmed, I think that 's what they want too," Higgins said.

The two leaders also discussed the economic situation in the two countries and the global climate change.

Higgins also met with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa on Wednesday.

On Thursday, the Irish president will visit the European Maritime Safety Agency, which is based in Lisbon, and take part in a business lunch, before meeting with Portuguese Parliament Speaker Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues.

On Friday he will travel to Porto, the second largest city in Northern Portugal, and visit an innovation center. Endit