Prime Minister José Maria Neves leaves today for Brussels, where on Thursday, October 25, he will meet with European Commission president Durão Barroso to discuss the much-talked about special partnership between Cape Verde and the European Union.

The Prime Minister’s trip is essentially aimed at “quickening” the process of the construction of a special partnership between Cape Verde and the European Union. The process was begun in 2001 and Praia authorities are optimistic, albeit cautious, regarding the fulfillment of this objective. Last week José Maria Neves met with opposition leaders, who expressed their approval of the pursuit of the goal.

In November, the European Council will analyze the declaration on the special partnership with Cape Verde to be presented to the European Commission. The declaration is important for Cape Verde, which hopes to strengthen its relations with the European Union, which is now made up of 27 countries.

During his trip, Neves will meet with European Commission president José Manuel Durão Barroso, the head of EU foreign policy and security Javier Solana, and the head of the Commission for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel.

On his way to Brussels, José Maria Neves will make a stop in Portuguese capital Lisbon, where he will meet with Portuguese Prime Minister José Sócrates, with whom he will also discuss the special partnership. Portugal currently holds the EU presidency.

In Lisbon, Neves will also meet with the ambassadors of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) member states with the same objective.

Source: A Semana