Brazil Urges CPLP to Strengthen Democracy and Trade
As the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary, Brazil is calling for a renewed focus on democratic stability and a more aggressive economic agenda. In an interview with Lusa, Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte, Brazil’s Secretary for Africa and the Middle East, outlined a vision for the organization that balances its diplomatic roots with tangible benefits for its citizens.
From Diplomacy to Daily Impact
Reflecting on three decades of history, Duarte highlighted the CPLP’s transformation from a mere political forum into a “community of rights.” He noted that recent agreements regarding mobility, social security, and legal cooperation have created concrete advantages for students, artists, and business professionals across the nine member nations.
The Ambassador pointed to the CPLP’s role in Timor-Leste’s independence and its coordinated influence within the United Nations as evidence of its diplomatic weight. However, he urged a realistic assessment of the organization’s scope. “We must avoid evaluating the CPLP by what it is not. It is not a supranational entity or a free trade bloc,” Duarte cautioned.
A Push for Economic and Democratic Reform
Despite past successes, the Brazilian diplomat insisted that significant work remains. Key priorities for Brazil include intensifying efforts to consolidate the democratic rule of law and expanding development cooperation. Duarte also emphasized the need to position Portuguese as a dominant language in science and technology while fostering an economic environment that directly generates jobs and income.
“The defense of democracy and national sovereignty are not incompatible principles,” Duarte said, addressing recent political instability within the bloc. He reminded member states that CPLP statutes mandate consultations in the event of serious violations of constitutional order.
Concerns Over Guinea-Bissau
Duarte specifically addressed the ongoing crisis in Guinea-Bissau, following the institutional breakdown in November 2025. He reaffirmed Brazil’s condemnation of the seizure of power by force and expressed concern over the suspension of legislative and presidential elections.
Brazil is currently advocating for the immediate release of political prisoners and the restoration of constitutional order. The Ambassador called for “free, fair, and inclusive elections,” which the current de facto government has scheduled for December 6.
Unlocking Trade Potential
On the economic front, the diplomatic proximity of Lusophone nations is increasingly translating into financial results. Trade flow between Brazil and other CPLP countries exceeded $6.5 billion in 2024. Duarte believes there is still significant room for growth.
“The new economic pillar of the CPLP, established in 2021, can serve as a tool to transform diplomatic proximity into even more significant trade and investment,” Duarte concluded, advocates for practical actions to further integrate the economies of the member states.
Founded on July 17, 1996, the CPLP comprises Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste.
Image: Pexels – Leonid Altman
