New future priorities in relations with Cape Verde

Vienna, 14 April 2010 - "All efforts of development policy are aimed at the one objective: becoming no longer necessary because the partner country is in a position to shape its economic development by itself. Cape Verde is one of the few countries that have succeeded in getting off the list of least developed countries. I congratulate the government and people of Cape Verde on this impressive success," stated Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger at the talks conducted by experts on future co-operation between Austria and Cape Verde in Praia. In addition to its Foreign Ministry representatives, Austria was also represented by experts from the Ministry of Finance, the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and Oesterreichische Kontrollbank AG.

Cape Verde has been a priority country of the Austrian Development Cooperation programme since 1986. From 1995 onwards, Cape Verde has received some 40 million euros for areas such as regional development, decentralisation and the sustainable management of resources, in particular water.

"Our commitment and co-operation with Cape Verde will not end on this day. We are now moving from classic development co-operation to support granted within the framework of the strategic partnership between the European Union and Cape Verde," continued Spindelegger. The stronger orientation of the EU - Cape Verde co-operation will also find its expression in matters of personnel: in future, the responsibilities of the Austrian Ambassador in Lisbon shall also extend to Cape Verde.

"Austria will also continue its close co-operation with Cape Verde at the bilateral level, such as at the Praia-based ECOWAS Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, which will be supported by us both financially and with regard to know-how," affirmed the Foreign Minister. The city partnerships between Leibnitz and Pedra Badejo, Deutsch Wagram and Calheta, as well as cultural co-operation between Bad Ischl and Praia shall be continued.

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