DILI, 25 July 2025 (TATOLI) – Portugal’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, met with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão on Friday to thank the Timorese Government for its warm welcome to the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) delegations, highlighting “the heartfelt hospitality of the Timorese people.”
Minister Lopes is currently visiting Timor-Leste to attend several events, including the CPLP Meeting of Ministers of Culture, Youth and Sports, scheduled for July 27, in Dili.
Speaking after the meeting, Minister Lopes described the CPLP Games as a valuable platform for strengthening ties between member countries, promoting friendship and cooperation within the Lusophone community. “Beyond the competition, this event is a chance to deepen the bonds that unite us. We share a common language, but also a deep sense of friendship and mutual respect,” she said.
The minister also shared that she has been closely following the competitions and has attended several sports events, including football, karate, and basketball.
While expressing disappointment over Portugal’s 2–0 loss to Cape Verde in football, she commended the overall performance of the Portuguese delegation.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Camilio de Sousa
