“Guinea-Bissau is going through a new stage with a government democratically elected and legitimate, which has gained the necessary respect to move forward with an agenda of reforms and progress on institutional, economic and social areas”.

Antonio Patriota further stated that the international community considers that security sector reform is one of the keys for stability in Guinea-Bissau.

“It will be very important do make this transition towards an institutional framework where the armed forces are subject to civilian power” said the ambassador. 

Regarding Peacebuilding Fund suspended after the 2012 coup d’etat, Patriota informed that those projects will be resumed and the Fund’s support will continue: “the intention is not only to resume but also to intensify the cooperation; the PBF is providing resources to support many initiatives here in Guinea-Bissau”.

That’s why, a committee was created which will be more reduced and will coordinate the applications of these resources in projects and initiatives that were considered strategic for the progress of the country on those different sectors.  

Patriota declared that he will be going back to New York with new information that he will share with Guinea-Bissau’s partners, creating a positive momentum because Guinea-Bissau is living an historic opportunity.

“This an opportunity for the country to overcome the cycles of crisis, violence and stagnation that brought so much suffering to the Guinean population. I believe that the authorities of this country have a truly and genuine engagement with the well-being of population, and my role is to contribute to make the international community be more constructive in this joint effort.”

The diplomat met with the President of Republic, Jose Mário Vaz, Prime-minister  Domingos Simões Pereira, the minister of defense, Dra. Cadi Seidi, and the Special Representative of Secretary General, Miguel Trovoada.