Lisbon, Portugal, 16 January 2024 - Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat, Nazim Ahmad, hosted His Excellency Carlos Vila Nova, President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, and First Lady Maria De Fátima Vila Nova, for a dinner at the Diwan on 15 December 2023.

Guests also included the Portuguese Minister in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister and for Parliamentary Affairs, Ms Ana Catarina Mendes; the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Mr Leonardo Simão; and key Portuguese personalities of the business community.

The dinner offered the opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest with President Vila Nova, and also the strengthening of relations with the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), particularly considering that the country holds its rotating presidency for the period of 2023-2025.

In his remarks before the dinner, Nazim Ahmad conveyed happiness for hosting another President of a Lusophone country, and commended São Tomé and Príncipe’s leadership and choice of “Youth and Sustainability” as theme of the last CPLP Heads of State Summit.

President Vila Nova expressed thanks for the warm hospitality and commended the work of the Ismaili Imamat and the AKDN to improve the quality of life of vulnerable communities globally.