The tourism sector is perceived by Ambassador Paulo Cunha Alves as a field “with immense potential that has not been further developed due to the very limited weekly flights.”
Currently, the low-cost airline Wizzair provides three direct flights per week between the Portuguese and Romanian capitals.
The ambassador, stationed in Bucharest since January 2023, acknowledged the efforts of AICEP—Portugal’s Trade and Investment Agency—in promoting business missions. However, he admitted that the scarcity of direct flights “is a hindrance.”
TAP Air Portugal halted the route between the two capitals in January 2019, citing the route’s “low profitability.”
Paulo Cunha Alves, in an interview with Lusa in the Romanian capital, estimated that there are around 2,000 Portuguese individuals residing in Romania, mostly in Bucharest. Many are employed by Portuguese companies in sectors including renewable energies, construction, consulting, and industries like glass production, mold making, and automotive upholstery.
Automotive parts and accessories represent the primary goods exchanged between the two countries.
“We have a good political relationship, grounded in our alliance and partnership in NATO and the European Union,” he emphasized.
Portugal contributes approximately 250 military personnel to NATO’s mission in Romania, which is crucial on the alliance’s eastern flank amid the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
This presence has facilitated ongoing bilateral contacts and visits by high-ranking Portuguese military officials to Romania, including last year’s visits by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and Defense Minister Nuno Melo. The embassy has also been reinforced with a defense attaché since late 2024.
On another note, the ambassador underscored the significant Romanian interest in the Portuguese language and culture, particularly fado and gastronomy.
More than a thousand students are currently learning Portuguese across all education levels—from elementary to university. Nevertheless, Portuguese authorities are keen on expanding the educational offerings.
Furthermore, the embassy has been promoting cultural initiatives, such as an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the April 25 Revolution and concerts with artists like the fado singer Mariza, “who was applauded by over 4,000 people standing,” recalled the diplomat, noting the event as “highly emotional.”
