The president of the Republic of Portugal, Aníbal Cavaco Silva, arrived at approximately 6:30 pm Sunday in Praia, where he was welcomed by his Cape Verdean homologue Pedro Pires. In a message to journalists, Cavaco Silva affirmed that Cape Verde is in the hearts of the Portuguese people, and that his trip to Cape Verde is intended to reinforce cooperation between Praia and Lisbon.

Pedro Pires gave Aníbal Cavaco Silva an official welcome at Praia International Airport. Finance Minister Cristina Duarte and Minister of Higher Learning, Science and Culture Fernanda Marques were also on hand, as were Praia mayor Ulisses Correia e Silva and members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Praia.

In a recorded message distributed to journalists, the Portuguese head of state stressed that his visit to Cape Verde on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the latter’s independence represents “the reinforcement of a partnership that extends to nearly all levels, but with a strong emphasis on politics, the economy and culture.” Cavaco Silva also wants to “strengthen cooperation between Cape Verde and Portugal in the maritime domain.”

After a short meeting with Pedro Pires, the Portuguese president made his way to the hotel, and along the way was greeted by a number of Cape Verdeans who had gathered along the roadside to see him.

The Portuguese president will participate in July 5 celebrations on Monday, and will speak during the solemn ceremony to take place in the National Assembly building. On Tuesday, he will begin an official two-day visit to the country.

Cavaco Silva will be decorated with the Order of Amílcar Cabral and will be given the key to the city of Praia.

On the morning of July 6, Pedro Pires will meet with Cavaco Silva in the Presidential Palace, where the medal of the Order of Amílcar Cabral will be bestowed upon him. Later in the morning, he will preside over the opening of a branch of Portuguese bank Banco Espírito Santo and the closing of a Portuguese language colloquium taking place at the University of Cape Verde.

Also on Tuesday, he will be given the key to the city of Praia and will meet with Prime Minister José Maria Neves. He will also visit the International Portuguese Language Institute (IILP) and meet with the vice-president of opposition party MpD, Jorge Santos.

His day will end with an official dinner at the Presidential Palace.

On July 7, Aníbal Cavaco Silva will travel to the island of São Vicente, where he will preside over the grand opening of the replica of the Belém Tower.