In 2006, Lisbon will host Microsoft’s annual event that brings together European Governmental leaders and representatives of IT companies, and is traditionally presided by Bill Gates. The Microsoft Government Leaders Forum was held in Prague this year.

The Diário Económico reports that whilst on an official trip to Washington, the Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs had a meeting with Gerri Elliot, Microsoft’s vice-president and also the person in charge of contacts with foreign governments, and presented the benefits of holding the event in Lisbon.