Luanda — The progress scored in the domain of cooperation among the countries of the Portuguese Speaking Community (CPLP) was highlighted and praised Saturday in Luanda by the executive secretary of the interregional organisation, Domingos Simões.

The official was speaking at the opening of the 21st session of the organisation's Cooperation Focal Points.

In this regard, Domingos Pereira Simões highlighted the effort made by the outgoing coordination of the organisation's focal points, Portugal.

In his address, the executive secretary also expressed gratitude to Angolan authorities for hosting the event, adding that the participation and presence of all member states is the starting point that will enable the organisation to work cohesively.

The organisation's Cooperation Focal Points' meeting paves the way for the preparations for the 8th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the CPLP, taking place on July 23 in the Angolan capital.

The CPLP was established on July 17, 1996 by Angola, Braszil, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal and São Tomé and Príncipe.

In 2002, following its independence, East Timor joined the community.

During the 6th CPLP Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Bissau, in July 2006, Equatorial Guinea and Mauritius were admitted as observer members, a status also accorded to Senegal at the Lisbon Summit of July 25, 2008.