“It is an exercise specifically to see to what extent we can improve the effectiveness of diplomatic and other missions in the future, depending on our interest and vision in foreign policy, as well as in the sense of opening other embassies or not on different continents” explained today Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Cape Verde Mirianne Vieira .
The topic, according to the official, was discussed this morning at the meeting of the Council of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Regional Integration, which was held in the city of Praia.
“This analysis is basically a diagnosis of what we already have, and from there, a perspective on whether or not to open other embassies. But in the short term, what we will do is expand the jurisdiction of the existing embassies, in order to improve their work with other countries that intend to Cabo Verdi establish strategic partnerships with her,” he added, in remarks to reporters at the end of the meeting, which was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Regional Integration, Roy. Figueiredo Soares.
Cape Verde currently has 21 diplomatic representations and consular posts, 16 of which are embassies on different continents, two permanent missions, and three consulates or consulates general.
According to the official, the “proposal to change the size of the diplomatic and consular network” under consideration also provides for the appointment of ambassadors for certain topics: “as in the case of areas such as climate change, oceans, the digital economy and other topics that may reveal become relevant.”
He explained that the first step of this process at the moment is, based on the existing structures, “to find out how to expand the jurisdiction of the aforementioned diplomatic missions in other countries” and only then “ultimately open other diplomatic missions.”
According to Mirian Vieira, Cape Verde will “soon open” a diplomatic mission in Rabat, a decision that comes from “the perspective of studying and deepening economic and trade relations” with Morocco.
“We are not thinking, in the short term, of doing any embassies closing, but basically this first process is to have an effective perspective to expand the jurisdiction of coverage of the current embassies that we have and see,” he added, adding that in accordance with the priority set by the government open or reopen other embassies “.
According to the secretary of state, the ongoing “exercise” is to assess the current diplomatic network, but “the budget factor is something to take into account” as well, especially given the economic crisis that continues to affect the country.
“What we are doing in this process, especially the proposals that will be put forward, is the balance between budget availability, and obviously the interests of the country. Diplomacy. This obviously includes embassies and diplomatic missions that are in Cape Verde abroad,” he said.
“But all of these issues will be duly considered and any decision that will be taken will certainly be in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government departments,” the foreign minister added.
In the process, Cape Verdean diplomacy is also planning to “extend honorary consulates”, particularly in areas where there is currently no diplomatic representation.
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