"I wanted to take this opportunity to reiterate my solidarity with the Portuguese men and women who live in Venezuela and who are going through one of the most difficult moments they have certainly experienced in their lives," he declared, on the sidelines of the commemorative session for the 45th anniversary of the Council of Portuguese Communities (CCP), at the Palácio das Necessidades.

At the event, which was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, José Luís Carneiro, who was Secretary of State for Communities, wanted to "offer a fraternal and supportive message to those who are suffering at this moment."

“Many have lost their lives, others are seriously injured, and therefore it is a moment of consternation for the entire national community, and I wanted to offer a fraternal and supportive word to those who are suffering at this moment,” he said.

Strengthening support for Venezuela

The previous day, the PS leader argued that it will be necessary to reinforce the support that Portugal has given to Venezuela following the earthquakes, aid that will not be limited to the short term, showing the PS's willingness to make this effort.

"Sending support is important, it was positive, it showed sensitivity, but I believe that it will be necessary to strengthen the conditions of support, not only for the short term, but for the terms in which people will live in the coming weeks and months," José Luís Carneiro argued in his final intervention at the PS National Commission, which took place in Lisbon.

Referring to his familiarity with the country affected by this "very great tragedy," the PS leader recalled that Venezuela "already had very significant structural and infrastructural weaknesses, and now it is in a truly dramatic situation for many thousands, if not millions, of people."