The president of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, arrives in Cape Verde on Friday for a two-day visit, during which the two sides will sign a visa agreement, official sources disclosed.

The trip coincides with the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the special partnership between Cape Verde and the European Union (EU).

According to the EU ambassador to Cape Verde, Jose Manuel Pinto Teixeira, the partnership "is a demonstration of the importance that Cape Verde has progressively earned from the EU and for which the archipelago merits."

"Barroso is coming to Cape Verde to express his satisfaction and the importance of reinforcing relations with the Archipelago," the EU ambassador told the press.

He said Barroso's visit will be an opportunity for discussions on issues of common interest.

During his visit, Barroso will sign two agreements including one for facilitating entry visas between Cape Verde and the EU and another for reinforcing bilateral cooperation.

Ambassador Teixeira said the agreement for facilitation of entry visas will be one of the concrete outcomes for the special partnership between Cape Verde and the EU.