The Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) is an intergovernmental organization that unites eight member States, spanning four continents. Our countries share a common language and a rich cultural heritage, resulting from long periods of historical interactions, which generated cultural identities that help build bridges, facilitate all sorts of partnerships and ease the sharing of best practices. CPLP is a multilateral forum dedicated to the strengthening of political and diplomatic coordination and the enhancement of cooperation among its Member States. The eight Member States of the CPLP are: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, S. Tome and Principe and Timor-Leste. There are also three Associated Observer Countries: Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius and Senegal. The general objectives of the CPLP are: a) The joint action between its Member States, at both the political and diplomatic level, in its international relations, particularly with the aim of asserting its presence in the international fora; b) Cooperation in all areas, including those of education, health, science and technology, defence, agriculture, public administration, communications, justice, public safety, culture, sport and media; c) The setting up of projects designed to promote and disseminate the Portuguese language, namely through the International Institute of the Portuguese Language. The CPLP guiding principles on development stress that cooperation between Members States focus on promoting democratic practices, good governance and respect for Human Rights, while observing the national identity of each State.