Luanda: The Speaker of the Angolan National Assembly, Ado de Almeida, advocated on Thursday for greater cooperation among the parliaments of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) to overcome transnational challenges, such as disinformation and threats to the security and stability of democracies.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Ado de Almeida addressed these concerns at the opening of the 15th Interim Session of the CPLP Parliamentary Assembly (AP-CPLP). He emphasized that strengthening democratic institutions, maintaining the separation and independence of powers, ensuring transparency, and continuing the fight against corruption are crucial for the consolidation of democratic governance.
Almeida highlighted that while rapid technological advancement offers a platform for accelerating economic and social development, it also contributes to the spread of disinformation. This phenomenon has emerged as a significant threat to security, state stability, and the effective functioning of democracies. He stressed that such challenges are borderless, necessitating robust international cooperation, including parliamentary collaboration.
"Our community can and must set an example regarding the ability to pool synergies to rise to the challenge of shared issues," Almeida remarked, suggesting that the CPLP should lead by example in addressing common concerns.
He further emphasized the importance of reaffirming the strength of the CPLP and its Parliamentary Assembly in tackling current issues. Almeida argued for raising the "banner of cooperation" to counter divisive rhetoric, noting that the shared history and the Portuguese language have united the CPLP countries, while also preserving their cultural diversity.
In terms of integration, Almeida advocated for the CPLP to assert itself beyond the linguistic dimension, proposing the establishment of a foundational economic pillar, more dynamic cooperation, and improved mobility among the member states' populations. He reiterated the Angolan National Assembly's full commitment to the initiatives of the CPLP Parliamentary Assembly, emphasizing that unity enhances the strength and readiness of the community's countries to face contemporary challenges.
The event, which continues in Luanda through Friday, is organized under the theme "Democratic governance, security, and integrity: strengthening the CPLP's institutional resilience."
