H.E. Carlos Manuel Folhadela de Macedo Oliveria

Contributing to greater stability

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

Can you tell us about yourself?

I was born near Porto, in the north of Portugal, in 1964. Immediately after graduating in Law from the prestigious University of Coimbra, I joined the diplomatic service. Since 1990, I have been able to fulfil various functions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both in the internal services and abroad. I was fortunate enough to present my credentials as Ambassador to the Czech Republic in July 2024.

What made you become an ambassador?

My curiosity about the world was felt from an early age. My concern for the different international problems, and, above all, my interest in finding balanced and peaceful solutions to the various disputes and conflicts, grew during my university education. There was also a growing convergence with public service, as well as the desire to be part of the Body of the State. So, at some point, I realised that I shouldn’t waste the opportunity to represent my country and promote it abroad – I applied for the Diplomatic Career Admission Programme, and was successful.

The current circumstance of being an Ambassador is certainly an enormous honour and privilege, which is accompanied by a corresponding responsibility, even if it is essentially the result of the passage of time in an already long journey.

Talking about the passage of time, it has been about a year since you arrived in the Czech Republic. What are your impressions so far?

Perhaps I should start by alluding to the exceptional beauty of Prague – a city I had visited twice before, and where it is so pleasant to live. When I walk through its stunning historic centre, or its different beautiful parks, I feel surrounded by a truly special atmosphere. As I travelled around the country, I was able to confirm that it’s not just the capital that deserves attention but also so many other cities, with the varied landscape I enjoyed and the people I met. In any case, these months in the Czech Republic have been a time of permanent discovery, very stimulating and exciting.

This is a new experience, in a country of the same size as Portugal, which shares the same values and has a similar understanding of today’s main issues. A partner in the European Union and in NATO, but also a country with specific characteristics resulting from its history and geographical position, aspects that distinguish it and that I am trying to better understand, little by little. The start of my mandate coincided with the official visit of His Excellency the President of the Portuguese Republic last February – a high point in the bilateral relationship, and a privileged opportunity to strengthen it.

From an early stage, I noticed the Czech Republic’s interest in the Portuguese language, which is taught in different universities and schools. This is both a stimulus and a challenge, and something I intend on paying special attention to. In the same vein, I’m looking forward to the 2025 edition of the Prague Book Fair, for which Portugal is Guest of Honour.

Which countries have you served in before?

I began my career at our embassy in Cape Verde, a special country for Portugal given the historical ties that unite us. Subsequently, by choice, I ended up embracing an essentially consular career, dealing with our numerous diaspora in different geographies. The many years I spent working with the Portuguese Communities as Consul General in cities as diverse as Versailles, Montreal, and Geneva (as well as Paris, just before I took up my post here) allowed me to get to know different realities, but also to better understand my own country through the stories and experiences of the Portuguese people living abroad. I was also Portuguese Ambassador to Algeria, something completely different but very stimulating and demanding, a period from which I also have excellent memories.

How does being an ambassador fit into your lifestyle?

I try to lead a quiet life that allows me to satisfy my curiosity about the world and better understand what it brings us. My mission as Ambassador fits in perfectly with these aims. What, in your opinion, is the most difficult part of being an ambassador? The greatest difficulty will undoubtedly be to be able to convey to Lisbon the specificities, and, above all, the expectations, of the country in which we find ourselves. It’s also important to strike a good balance between defending the national interest and deepening the bilateral relationship. Fortunately, the characteristics of the Czech Republic and the excellent relationship between the two countries make the Ambassador’s task much easier.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I try to make the most of what Prague and the country have to offer. I take advantage of its beauty, tranquillity, and safety. I’d say living in Prague is inspiring!

Can you give some advice to the next generation of ambassadors?

I wouldn’t dare! Perhaps, just a suggestion – that you try to be open and attentive to all aspects of your surroundings, with humility and a genuine desire to understand the world. Many people in Czechia choose Portugal as the best place to spend a wonderful holiday.

Do you promote your country as a tourist destination?

This is one of the satisfactions of serving in the Czech Republic, and one of the aspects of our work here. There really is an appreciable tourist flow (in both directions), which has been growing. Not only does mainland Portugal, in its diversity and beauty, attract Czech visitors, but so do the archipelagos of Madeira, and, above all, the Azores, certainly because of the superb and unspoilt nature of these destinations. In Prague, Portugal has a tourism promotion department run by Turismo Portugal, which has developed a successful dynamic with Czech operators, airlines, and the general public. This takes the form of various initiatives, participation in sector fairs, promotional activities, and organised visits to Portugal.

Could you provide the current status of Czech-Portuguese relations?

The bilateral relationship should be considered excellent.

What message would you like to convey to our nations as we conclude this interview?

In times of some uncertainty and enormous and permanent challenges such as those we are experiencing, I trust that both countries will be able to make their contribution towards greater stability, strengthening the values we hold dear, and building a peaceful world made up of understanding and solidarity. Naturally, I wish Portugal and the Czech Republic every success, as well as both their peoples.