To mark the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Cabo Verde’s independence, several Cabo Verdean officials visited Macao to participate in celebratory events. On July 3, Cabo Verde’s Minister of Internal Administration, Paulo Rocha, visited the Permanent Secretariat of Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao). During the visit, discussions were held on leveraging Macao’s platform role to advance cooperation within the Forum’s framework. The meeting was attended by Secretary-General Ji Xianzheng, Deputy Secretaries-General Xie Ying, Danilo Henriques, and António Lei, as well as Cabo Verde’s Representative, Nuno Furtado.
On July 4, the “Seminar Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Cabo Verde’s Independence”, co-organized by the Embassy of Cabo Verde in China and the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum, was held at the Complex of Commerce and Trade Co-operation Platform for China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. The seminar’s theme was “Cabo Verde: 50 Years of Achievements and Challenges – The Role of the Diaspora and Macao’s Experience”. Secretary-General Ji Xianzheng, Cabo Verde’s Ambassador to China, Arlindo do Rosário, and Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, representing the Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR, attended and delivered speeches. The Minister of Internal Affairs of Cabo Verde, Paulo Rocha, delivered the keynote address. Two members of the Cabo Verdean diaspora in Macao, Mr. Álvaro dos Santos Rodrigues and Mr. José Costa, shared their perspectives on the diaspora’s role in national development and their experiences.
In his speech, Secretary-General Ji Xianzheng expressed admiration for Cabo Verde’s remarkable achievements over the past 50 years. The establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Cabo Verde has opened a new chapter in bilateral relations. Both sides are committed to fully utilizing the cooperation opportunities within the Forum to enhance the quality and effectiveness of pragmatic cooperation, injecting greater momentum into their respective development. The Permanent Secretariat will continue to leverage Macao’s role as a China and Portuguese-speaking countries platform, in line with the Strategic Plan, to facilitate exchanges and cooperation in various fields between China and Cabo Verde.
Ambassador Arlindo do Rosário stated that this moment is not only a historically significant day for Cabo Verde but also an opportunity to showcase to the world the strength of a nation that, despite numerous challenges, perseveres, innovates, and progresses toward prosperity. The event provided a chance to reflect on Cabo Verde’s development journey since independence, marked by hope, resilience, and growth. Cabo Verde and China are friendly nations, and next year they will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The Cabo Verdean government values its relationship with China, particularly with the Macao SAR, and its diaspora. Macao holds a special place in the hearts of Cabo Verdeans, and the diaspora and associations in Macao not only strengthen people-to-people ties but also promote the integration of the Cabo Verdean community into Macao’s social and economic fabric.
Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes noted that Macao and Cabo Verde have long been connected by historical ties, united in their shared commitment to collaborate for the benefit of their people and economies, creating diverse development opportunities. The Forum provides a platform to connect governments, the private sector, and other institutions to implement the Strategic Plan for Economic and Trade Cooperation. Under the Central Government’s designation of Macao as “One Centre, One Platform, One Base”, Macao continues to showcase its development potential to the Greater Bay Area, Mainland China, and the international community. She expressed hope that Macao will continue to serve as a high-quality platform for Cabo Verde’s development opportunities.
Minister Paulo Rocha expressed gratitude to the Macao SAR Government for its valuable contributions to fostering closer ties between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly through the Forum’s mechanisms and related cooperation initiatives, which further promote collaboration and development. The milestone celebrated today not only honors a proud past but also inspires the future. Cabo Verde boasts a thriving diaspora community that excels in various fields, including business, science, medicine, academia, technology, politics, sports, and culture, making significant contributions to the nation. Cabo Verde is an active member of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, and it will continue to deepen its friendship and cooperation with Mainland China and the Macao SAR, advancing mutual understanding and mutually beneficial collaboration to make new contributions.
Attendees included representatives from the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, consular officials from Portuguese-speaking countries, Macao SAR government officials, as well as Cabo Verdean diaspora groups and students. Members of the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum also participated in the commemorative event.
