Portugal and Latin America, closer together

CAF - the Latin American development bank - and the Institute for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (IPDAL) have signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim of strengthening ties between Portugal and Latin America.  

This agreement covers the organisation of discussion forums, conferences and specialist meetings to promote relations between Portugal and Latin America, as well as collaboration on projects and initiatives of common interest for the development of the region and strengthening its relationship with Portugal.  

At the signing ceremony, the CAF representative in Europe, José Antonio García Belaunde, highlighted that, for CAF, Portugal - a member of the institution since 2009 - is a strategic ally for the exchange of knowledge and good practices in key issues for the development of Latin America. IPDAL, with its experience, leadership and scope, is the ideal partner to continue deepening ties with the Portuguese country. This agreement consolidates the work we have been doing with the institute and we hope it will stimulate the creation of synergies to work together in promoting LAC opportunities in Europe and the world. 

For his part, the President of IPDAL, Paulo Neves, indicated that this agreement is an honour and a responsibility for the Institute, as it symbolises the alliance forged between IPDAL and CAF, after years of successful collaborations. "Having verified the alignment of values and strategies between the two organizations, we felt that we deserved to sign this alliance, which puts the relations of our institutions on another level of closeness and reciprocal commitment. Our action can now have an even greater impact, both in Portugal and Latin America", he said. 

The Institute for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean and CAF have been working together since 2014 promoting issues of common interest and strengthening relations between the two regions. CAF is frequently invited to participate in different IPDAL forums and both institutions collaborate in The “Ideas for the Future” university essay contest, which rewards young university students and in the celebration of events such as the Latin America - Europe - Africa Strategic Triangle, which is held annually.