Africa-Press – Cape verde. The President of the Republic of Portugal fraternally congratulated Cape Verde on its independence and the path it has taken and saluted Cape Verdean democracy with a message of “gratitude, admiration and confidence in the promising future” of the country.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who participated in the commemorative session of the fiftieth anniversary of national independence, held in front of the Jaime Mota Barracks, in Praia, delivered his speech with deep respect, and in six key words left a message of solidarity, recognition and gratitude to the Cape Verdean people.
The Portuguese head of state began by expressing fraternal congratulations, saluting the journey towards independence, which began with the common struggle with Guinea-Bissau and was inspired by the dream of Amílcar Cabral, a figure whom he symbolically decorated on behalf of Portugal and the Portuguese people.
He continued with a tribute to the universalism of the Cape Verdean people, highlighting the presence of its diaspora in the four corners of the world as an expression of global citizenship.
“Third word, recognition for your intelligence, knowing how to use our common language (…), but also knowing how to enrich it with your creoles, joining language with a universal platform between oceans, continents and peoples and language with its own affirmation and nonconformity”, he said.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa highlighted his admiration for Cape Verdean democracy, pointing to the country as an example in the African and international context in terms of the rule of law, respect for human rights and the regular functioning of democratic institutions.
He also expressed gratitude for everything that Portugal and the world owe to Cape Verde, recalling the complex historical relations, but also the ability of both peoples to transform them into closeness and genuine cooperation.
He concluded with a message of confidence in the future, stating that Cape Verdean youth are proof that the country is prepared for the next 50 years.
On the occasion, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa reaffirmed Portugal’s commitment to remain alongside Cape Verde, sharing lessons and challenges, united by history, culture and bonds of humanity.
The Portuguese President ended by evoking emblematic Cape Verdean figures, from literature to sport, such as Cesária Évora, Germano Almeida, Eugénio Tavares, Soraia Tavares, among others, as symbols of the cultural wealth that unites both peoples and projects Cape Verde into the world.
The ceremony also featured speeches by Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, the President of the Republic, José Maria Neves, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed and other individuals.
On July 4, 1975, the 56 deputies elected on June 30, representing the country’s 24 electoral districts, met at 4:30 pm in the Main Hall of the Praia City Council.
In this session, in addition to the text of the proclamation of the Republic of Cape Verde, the Law of the Political Organization of the State (LOPE) was unanimously approved, granting Amílcar Cabral the title of Founder of the Nationality.
National Independence was proclaimed on July 5, 1975 by the president of the National Popular Assembly, Abílio Duarte, at the Várzea Stadium, in the city of Praia.
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