President António José Seguro Begins State Visit to Cape Verde
PRAIA, Cape Verde — Portuguese President António José Seguro arrives in Praia today to begin his first state visit, signaling a new chapter in the enduring relationship between Portugal and Cape Verde. The three-day visit, running through Thursday, emphasizes diplomatic ties, historical reconciliation, and future-forward economic cooperation.
A Tribute to Shared History
President Seguro’s first official act upon landing in the capital will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the Amílcar Cabral Memorial, honoring the independence leader. This will be followed by a high-profile meeting with Cape Verdean President José Maria Neves at the Presidential Palace, where the two leaders are expected to hold a joint press conference before attendng a state dinner.
Wednesday’s schedule is densely packed with political and economic engagements. Following a solemn session at the National Assembly, Seguro will open the Cape Verde–Portugal Economic Forum. The summit, attended by high-ranking ministers from both nations, aims to bolster trade and investment between the two Portuguese-speaking partners.
Defense and Remembrance
Maritime security takes center stage during a unique lunch hosted aboard the Portuguese Navy ship Bartolomeu Dias, currently docked in Praia. The afternoon will shift to a more somber tone as both presidents visit the Tarrafal Concentration Camp Museum. They will lay a wreath to honor those who suffered under the former Portuguese colonial regime, a significant gesture of historical acknowledgment.
The second day will conclude with a visit to Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the historical birthplace of the Cape Verdean nation.
Looking Toward the ‘Blue Economy’
On the final day of his visit, President Seguro will fly to the island of Boa Vista to open the 5th International Conference of the Ocean Decade. The event focuses on the “Blue Economy,” seeking sustainable paths for ocean-based development, a critical priority for the archipelago.
Before returning to Portugal, the President will visit key infrastructure projects in Praia assisted by Portuguese cooperation, including the Hemodialysis Center at Agostinho Neto Hospital and Techpark, a hub for digital innovation. The state visit will conclude with a reception for the Portuguese community residing in Cape Verde, held at the Portuguese School of Praia.
Image: Pexels – MAURIZIO CATALUCCI
