In Angola for its 10th ministerial-level meeting, members of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) released a final document supporting the initiative sponsored by Brazil, France, Chile and the UN to set up a financing mechanism to eliminate hunger and poverty in the world.
“We are interested in further discussion of financial mechanisms as part of the international mobilization process in the fight against hunger and poverty,” said the document.
Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Celso Amorim, said one of the highlights of the meeting was the decision to allow other nations to participate in CPLP meetings.
“We are gaining prestige and many countries are interested in taking part,” he said.
Amorim also pointed out the the CPLP had made progress with its Portuguese Language Institute, established in 1989.
The acting president of the CPLP, the Foreign Minister of São Tomé e Príncipe, Ovidio Manuel Barbosa Pequena, declared that the group had overcome the skepticism that greeted its creation, adding, “There is no doubt that the CPLP has achieved visibility and projection.”
Amorim revealed that an Investment Fund was under discussion. “We need to get out of our offices and see what is really happening to our people. We must seek greater integration with concrete programs that will benefit the people,” said Amorim.
ABr