Portugal's Foreign Minister: CPLP's vast potential remains largely untapped

Paulo Rangel, Portugal's Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) possesses immense potential that is far from being fully realized. He emphasized that the organization, currently celebrating its 30th anniversary, serves as a crucial instrument for the foreign policy of all its member states. Rangel highlighted that the CPLP's international projection is significant, projecting a future with approximately 600 million Portuguese speakers by the end of the century, potentially making it the most spoken language in the Southern Hemisphere. This demographic weight, combined with the growing economic importance of many member states, is expected to enhance the CPLP's visibility and influence considerably. He noted that the increasing number of observer states is a testament to the community's growing external recognition. Rangel acknowledged that while the CPLP cannot replace larger blocs like the European Union or the African Union, its members' participation in multiple regional organizations amplifies its influence. He expressed optimism about the CPLP's future, citing progress in areas such as mobility and language promotion. An initiative for a common public health degree across member states, announced for the 2025 summit in Bissau, is also advancing. Overall, Rangel provided a "frankly positive" assessment of the CPLP's first three decades. The CPLP includes Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste.