Vasco da Gama was "someone who, together with all those tied to the discoveries, opened the doors to the world and offered a sign of innovation, a sign of progress, a sign of universalism that should inspire us today to what we must do as descendants of this person and those who motivated him and followed him at the time", said Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.

Luís Montenegro was giving a speech at the start of the ceremonies that commemorate the 500 years of Vasco da Gama’s death, the captain of the fleet that discovered the sea route to India. The commemorations began with the Prime Minister placing a wreath on Vasco da Gama’s tomb in Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, together with the Minister of Culture Dalila Rodrigues.

Indicating Vasco da Gama as "a pioneer of globalisation", he stated he was "a great figure for the world’s history" and can become "a good focus" for Portuguese youths.

Luís Montenegro said that "due to his work, his capability, it was possible to open the doors to the world to European countries and, from then on, explore new cultural exchanges, new relations between peoples".

"500 years ago, we went on the look for opportunities overseas and today it is our duty, drawing inspiration from the great persons in our nation, such as Vasco da Gama, to look at their example and be inspired for the tasks we have ahead of us now". Today, Portugal does not intend to discover the world, yet we want "the world to discover us and our capabilities".