Dili, June 26, 2025 (Lusa) - The outgoing executive secretary of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), Zacarias da Costa, gave a positive assessment on Thursday of his leadership, considering that he leaves behind an organisation that is “stronger” and “more organised”.
“I believe it is a positive assessment. I am satisfied because I believe that during the four years we faced many challenges,” Zacarias da Costa said when questioned by Lusa at the end of a meeting with the speaker of Timor-Leste parliament, Fernanda Lay.
Among the various challenges, the CPLP executive secretary, who leaves office in July, highlighted the “challenge of implementing the mobility agreement, the challenge of beginning the general objective, which is the economic pillar, the fourth pillar,” and the “challenges of restructuring the secretariat.”
“But I want to say that my assessment is sincerely positive. Obviously, others will make other assessments and have other perspectives. I know the difficulties I encountered and the challenges I faced,” said Zacarias da Costa.
The former Timorese foreign minister also said that he is leaving behind a “stronger” and “more organised” organisation.
“Naturally, we are all continuing the work that others have done and, obviously, I am confident that the next executive secretary will also continue the work I have done over the last four years,” he stressed.
When Lusa asked him about his plans after leaving the CPLP, Zacarias da Costa said he would return to Timor-Leste.
“I am returning to my country with the same feeling of being ready to serve in whatever capacity is necessary and whatever the authorities of this country ask of me,” he said.
The Community of Portuguese-Language Countries (CPLP) appointed Zacarias da Costa as executive secretary in July 2021 during the summit of heads of state and government held in Angola, and the organisation re-elected him for another term in August 2023 at the summit held in Sao Tome.
The CPLP members have proposed Angolan diplomat and former minister Maria de Fátima Jardim to replace him, and they expect the organisation to swear her into office at the next CPLP summit on 18 July in Bissau.
MSE/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
