The naming of Portuguese Rock last week will strengthen the bond between Bermuda and Portugal, according to the Portuguese Ambassador.

Antonio Nunes de Carvalho Santana Carlos spoke on Friday night at the formal reception for the renaming, along with Acting Premier Michael Scott and Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Neletha Butterfield. The Ambassador had flown to the Island for the ceremony on Thursday.

"(The renaming) means that we can rely in the Bermuda authorities," he told the crowd. "They pay attention to Portugal.

"I'm going to impart my contacts with the authorities here to my government, and I'm sure we can use the contacts to both of our gains. It will be beautiful to both sides."

The Ambassador stressed the history connecting the two nations, dating back to the engraving on Portuguese Rock.

"It is known that the Portuguese wrecked a ship here in 1543, but since then we stopped coming. Now we've begun to settle down here, and this is significant," he said.

"Our contact with Bermuda started 466 years ago. That's a long time."

After spending two days ion the Island, Mr. Carlos said that he could understand why so many in the Portuguese community wanted to stay here.

"It's beautiful. You have very nice people. Very friendly. I can understand why so many Portuguese have chosen to call Bermuda their home," he said. He also stressed the connection between Portuguese communities around the globe.

"We have strong connections to Brazil, Somalia, Venezuela, and Bermuda. We are glad to have contact with Bermuda. The fact that I am here is certainly a signal of interest from Lisbon."

Others in attendance echoed Mr. Carlos' hope that the celebration was only a beginning of a closer relationship to Portugal.

Acting Premier Michael Scott said: "The presence of the Ambassador has afforded the opportunity for myself to do what diplomats do, to raise subjects of mutual interest socially, culturally and economically and encourage dialogue which may begin new initiatives between our two nations."

Opposition leader Kim Swan said: "We need to celebrate our diversity.

"If we can apply and merge all the elements in our community, then we're on to something."

The Ambassador also took the opportunity to speak to members of the Portuguese community attending the event, saying: "We are proud of you in Portugal. You can rely on the consulate, they are here to support you."