Portuguese President Makes First State Visit to Cabo Verde

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is embarking on his first state visit since assuming office, traveling to Cabo Verde from Tuesday to Thursday. This trip underscores Portugal's commitment to its Atlantic and Lusophone connections, with a primary focus on enhancing economic cooperation, maritime security, and the development of the blue economy.

During his visit to Praia, President de Sousa will hold meetings with his Cabo Verdean counterpart, José Maria Neves, and other key authorities. He is also scheduled to address a bilateral business forum and tour the Portuguese Navy vessel Bartolomeu Dias. The itinerary includes significant cultural and historical engagements, such as visits to the former Tarrafal concentration camp, a symbol of Portuguese dictatorial repression, and Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

On the island of Boa Vista, the President will participate in an international conference centered on the blue economy and visit a natural reserve. In Praia, his agenda includes learning about local health projects and visiting companies within Cabo Verde's technology park. This comprehensive schedule reflects the multifaceted nature of the bilateral relationship.

Portugal and Cabo Verde share a robust cooperative relationship, spanning defense, education, healthcare, culture, and the Portuguese language, within the framework of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). President de Sousa's choice of Cabo Verde for his inaugural state visit reinforces the strategic importance of this partnership and Portugal's outward-looking foreign policy.