PANAJI: Goa government withdrew a cultural program planned at the reception of Portugal Prime Minister Antonio Costa at the airport upon his arrival in the state as the European nation is mourning the death of its former President Mario Soares.
"Goa government had planned a reception for Costa at the airport upon his arrival last night, which has been withdrawn," Deputy Chief Minister Fransic D'Souza told reporters last evening.
D'Souza, who welcomed Costa at the Dabolim airport, said, "Portugal is mourning death of Mario Soares, who was the founder of democracy in the country. They (Portuguese government) had requested us to withdraw the entertainment programme. We informed the Ministry of External Affairs and they allowed us to withdraw it," he said.
With roots in Goa, Costa is on a two-day visit to the state, which was an erstwhile colony of the Portuguese.
D'Souza said the 'Son of Goa' (referring to Costa) becoming the Prime Minister of Portugal is the "biggest thing for Goa."
"I have the proud privilege of receiving him in Goa. It is a big honour. One of the biggest thing in my life. His visit is very important," he said.
"We have lot of things in common with Portugal. We have historical connections. 451 years of Portugal rule and all of the culture is in Goa. We can share lot of things in common," he said.
To a poser regarding the demand by few political parties that Costa should apologise for Portuguese colonising Goa, D'Souza said, "Costa has fought a dictator and got democracy. Goa was colonised by dictators but not democratic people from Portugal. When democracy has taken over in Portugal where is the question of apology."