Head of State back home

Luanda, ANGOLA, July 19 - The President of the Republic, João Lourenço, has already returned to the country after attending the 12th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP) held in Sal Island (Cape Verde) from the 17th to the 18th July.,

On his arrival in Luanda, the Angolan statesman was welcomed, at the 4 de Fevereiro International Airport, by the Vice-President of the Republic, Bornito de Sousa, the speaker of the National Assembly, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, members of the Government and senior officials of his office.

Under the motto "Culture, People and Oceans", the XII Summit of Heads of State and Government analyzed, among other issues, the free movement of people and goods in the Portuguese-speaking space, economic cooperation among member states, facilitation of trade and the protection of investments.

In the meantime, the Heads of State and Government welcomed the Organization's progressive international affirmation and reaffirmed the primacy of peace, democracy and the rule of law, human rights and social justice.

According to the "Declaration of Santa Maria", a document issued by the member states at the end of the work, the statesmen have reiterated that mobility and circulation in the community space are privileged instruments for better mutual understanding and progressive construction of a CPLP citizenship, where their peoples shall consider themselves.

The rotating CPLP presidency, for two years, moved from Brazil to Cape Verde and, by 2020, should be assumed by Angola.

The CPLP is an international organization formed by Portuguese-speaking countries, namely Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe and East Timor, with the aim of deepening mutual friendship and cooperation between the members.

The organization was established on 17 July 1996.

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