The former President of Cape Verde, Commander Pedro Pires, visited the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), also known as Forum Macao.

Mr Pires was welcomed by the Secretary-General of Forum Macao, Mr Chang Hexi, and by the Deputy Secretary-General of Forum Macao, Mr Vicente de Jesus. Representatives to Forum Macao on behalf of Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau and Portugal were also present for the visit.

The Secretary-General of Forum Macao thanked Mr Pires for his visit and delivered a brief presentation on Forum Macao and its main projects, including: work done in the areas of trade and investment; the training of human resources; and promotion of the respective cultures of the Forum Macao member countries. Mr Chan also highlighted the preparatory works for the 5th Ministerial Conference that will take place later this year in Macao, during which a work plan for Forum Macao – known as “Action Plan (2017-2019)” – will be signed.

Mr Pires thanked Forum Macao for its role in helping to organise his visit to Macao. He noted the trip would help to strengthen ties between Cape Verde and China. The President of the Cape Verde-China Friendship Association was also part of the delegation received by the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao during Mr Pires’ visit.

The former President of Cape Verde praised the dynamic and prosperous economy of Macao, saying that the city plays an important role in promoting co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries.