CPLP Ministerial Meeting

Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, Nobel Peace Price Laureate, Dr Ramos-Horta will attend the Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) Ministerial Meeting in Coimbra, Portugal, from 17th to 18th July 2003.

All the CPLP Foreign Minister's will be present in this meeting and Timor-Leste will participate as full member for the second time. Timor-Leste was accepted as full in July 2002 in Brasilia, Brazil which was attended by H.E. President Xanana Gusmao.

During the two days meeting the Foreign Minister's will discuss on issues concerning this organization policy on budget, currency, dissemination of the Portuguese language, international summit on information for the society, human right issues as well as the abolition of the death penalty.

Much of the discussion will also be focusing on peace, development and the future of the Portuguese speaking countries (CPLP).

However, prior to Ministerial Meeting, senior officials from member countries will meet in Lisbon, on 14th-15th of July 2003, to discuss among other issues electronic government, International Center for the CPLP youth and network of technical teaching in the member countries.

Mr. Jose Luis Lopes from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation will represent Timor-Leste at that meeting.

Timor-Leste will be one of 8 countries that will take part in the meeting including Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, and S. Tome e Principe

Timor-Leste delegations will be headed by Senior Minister Dr Ramos-Horta, accompanying by Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Portugal Ms. Pascoela Barreto, Chief of staff of the Senior Minister Cabinet Ms. Sonia Neto, Counselor to Timor-Leste Embassy in Portugal Mr. Isilio Coelho and UN and CPLP Desk Officer of this Ministry Mr. Jose Luis Lopes.