(L-R): Thomas Barbancey, Luxembourg Embassy; Véronique Dockendorf, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs; Ambassador Martine Schommer; Minister Jean Asselborn; José Maria Pereira Neves, President of Cabo Verde;
Credit: MAEE
Luxembourg's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, was in Cape Verde for a two-day working visit on Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 January 2023.
On the first day of the visit, Minister Asselborn was received for an in-depth discussion by his counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Regional Integration, Rui Figueiredo Soares, and also had meetings with the Prime Minister, Ulisses Correia e Silva, as well as the President of the Republic, José Maria Pereira Neves.
These various meetings made it possible to take stock of the bilateral relations between Luxembourg and Cape Verde. Cooperation within multilateral fora, the international situation as well as the latest developments in the Sahel and within ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) were also discussed.
Minister Asselborn first wanted to highlight the important contribution made by the Cape Verdean community to the social, cultural and economic development of Luxembourg. The minister then praised the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, in areas as varied as development cooperation, defence, the environment and energy.
“Our relationship was built on development cooperation, but has diversified over the years. They now cover multiple areas, from diplomacy to the economic and financial sector, from culture to the joint fight against climate change, including defence. We also cooperate on many subjects at the United Nations, including the defence of human rights", declared Minister Asselborn in this regard, recalling that this year marks the 15th anniversary of the Luxembourg Embassy in Cape Verde as well as the 30th anniversary of the designation of Cape Verde as a partner country of Luxembourg.
The meetings also allowed Minister Asselborn and his Cape Verdean interlocutors to reaffirm the strong commitment of Luxembourg and Cape Verde to support the common values that unite us, such as respect for human rights and democracy, good governance, rule of law and multilateralism. Both sides condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine and reiterated their support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On Tuesday, Minister Asselborn continues his working visit to Praia by chairing, on behalf of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, the 12th meeting of political dialogue at ministerial level of the special partnership Cape Verde - European Union.
