Portugal gaining political stability, economy improving: president

Portugal has gained political stability and the economy is growing, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said on Tuesday, adding that the country would see a more robust and sustainable economy this year.

"Contrary to what some feared, in 2016, Portugal saw political stability, social peace, a reduction in the deficit, and progressive consolidation of the banking system," Rebelo de Sousa said after receiving the country's diplomatic corps at the National Palace of Queluz in Sintra, around 13km from Lisbon.

During the ceremony, Rebelo de Sousa pointed out that the country's social and economic conditions were "fundamental to ensure respect for the commitments taken on in the eurozone framework," adding it was also necessary to "restore unity" and "internal cohesion."

He also said that he had gone on state visits to several European capitals to "deepen ties."

He added that Portugal would continue to be a country in favor of cohesion and solidarity. A cohesive Europe "will have the capacity to respond with efficiency to current challenges," which include boosting growth, creating jobs, solving the refugee crisis, and fighting terrorism, he said.

The Portugal's GDP grew by 1.6 percent in the third quarter of 2016. Endit