Sam explained that the delay stems primarily from a heavy workload of local responsibilities, which repeatedly disrupted the original schedule. These responsibilities include submitting and discussing his first policy address to the Legislative Assembly in April, followed by months of advancing various policy initiatives.
Additionally, the Legislative Election on September 14th and other significant matters further impacted the scheduling of the overseas trip. Recent adjustments in Portugal’s political institutions have also contributed to the postponement.
On the sidelines of the National Day celebration cocktail reception on October 1st, Sam expressed to the Portuguese Prime Minister his intention to prioritize Portugal as his first overseas visit. With new policy directions progressing actively, he remains confident about realizing the visit in the first half of 2026 and plans to arrange subsequent visits to other countries for diplomatic exchanges following the Portugal trip.
