São Tomé – The Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe on Sunday, in this country’s capital, took over the rotating presidency of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), replacing the Republic of Angola.
In the next two years, São Tomé and Príncipe will work under the motto “Youth and Sustainability”, which is the same theme of the XIV Summit of Heads of State and Government of the CPLP.
In his speech, after congratulating the performance of the Angolan presidency, the Head of State of São Tomé and Príncipe, Carlos Vila Nova, highlighted the fact that Angola had "challenged" the CPLP to introduce the pillar of economic and business cooperation.
"Angola has introduced the pillar of the economy and business development as one of the common elements, the immediate effect of which is the creation of economic and business affairs in the organic structure of the executive secretariat," said President Vila Nova, adding that it is possible and expected that the Community will accompany the dynamics of the respective societies so that it can help facilitate and boost investment in trade and encourage young people to become entrepreneurs.
Carlos Vila Nova recalled that the motto “Youth and Sustainability” must mobilise efforts in order to cater for the challenges of the youth related to training, employment, housing and the future for all.
To him, "Youth and Sustainability" has become a central theme on the global stage, since the younger generations are recognised as motivators for the necessary changes.
The Summit of Heads of State and Government is the highest body of the CPLP. Its task is to draft and guide the organisation's general policy and strategies.
The organisation, founded on 17 July 1996, includes Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe and East Timor.
JFS/AL/MRA/jmc
