President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca continued her state visit in Portugal by visiting the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown in Lisbon. The Champalimaud Centre holds one of the foremost Cancer Research and Care Centres in Europe. Here, the President was shown the research laboratories as well as the state-of-the-art facilities available for cancer patients, including the radiotherapy facilities. The President walked through the gardens where patients and their loved ones often find peace and serenity in spite of difficult times. The centre uses modern technology to ensure utmost comfort and the best care for cancer patients.
The President, accompanied by Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses Christian Cardona, Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds and Social Dialogue Aaron Farrugia, as well as the delegation then visited the European Maritime Safety Institute, the European agency that oversees maritime safety in the region. At the EMSA, President Coleiro Preca met with Maltese staff.
The Mayor of Ourém welcomed President Coleiro Preca, Minister Cardona, Parliamentary Secretary Aaron Farrugia, and the delegation to his municipality, which includes Fatima. The mayor was in Malta earlier this year where he was presented with the Mediterranean Tourism Award for religious tourism.
President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa later accompanied President Coleiro Preca to Fatima, the holy shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima, which is often visited by a number of Maltese pilgrims.