Cape Verde’s President, José Maria Neves, arrived in Côte d’Ivoire on Friday to witness the quarter-final clash of the 2023 African Cup of Nations involving his country.
Welcomed by Côte d’Ivoire’s Vice-President Tiemoko Meyliet Koné and Health Minister Pierre N’Gou Dimba, President Neves is in attendance to support Cape Verde’s football team, set to compete against South Africa on Saturday in Yamoussoukro.
Scheduled in the statesman’s agenda is a meeting with the Cape Verdean community in Abidjan, as outlined on the official Cape Verde presidency Facebook page.
This engagement underscores the importance of fostering connections with the diaspora during international events.
As the AFCON quarter-finals unfold, President Neves’ presence reflects the significance of sports diplomacy and the camaraderie shared among African nations.
The visit not only emphasizes the mutual passion for football but also provides a platform for diplomatic discussions between leaders.
The President’s interaction with Côte d’Ivoire’s officials reinforces the spirit of collaboration and friendship between the two nations.
Beyond the football field, this visit serves as an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties, contributing to the broader narrative of unity and cooperation within the African continent.
The Blue Sharks are chasing a place in the last four of the tournament, a feat that has never been achieved in the history of African football. The game against South Africa takes place at the Stade Charles Konan Banny.