Luanda: Angola's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Francisco da Cruz, said President Joo Louren§o's address to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly had a significant international impact and generated positive reactions within the organisation.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Speaking to the press, the diplomat said it was important that the President of the Republic delivered his speech on the first day, in the opening phase and within the first group of speakers, as this allowed him to be among the first leaders to address the major issues currently concerning the international community.
'For the first time, the President of the Republic spoke on the first day, in the opening phase and within the first group of speakers, which was important because it gave him the opportunity to be among the first to address the major issues that concern the international community today,' he said.
He noted that, for Angola, it was a moment of historical significance because the President presented the country's position on key global issues, aligning Angola's voice with those of other world leaders and, to some extent, helping to shape the General Debate of the current UN session.
'As I said, he spoke in a group that included Brazil, the United States, France and other highly influential member states,' he added.
He said Angola should be commended for securing a position that allowed the President to become the first African Head of State and the 13th speaker among the 193 UN member states, in a group that included Brazil, the United States, France and other influential countries.
According to the ambassador, this represents recognition of Angola's importance and influence within the international system.
He said the Angolan Head of State conveyed the principal concerns of the African continent, particularly the reform of the United Nations Security Council, the debt burden that continues to hinder the development of African countries and the Global South, as well as challenges related to respect for the United Nations Charter and international law.
The President, he said, also expressed solidarity with Cuba, which remains subject to an embargo, and voiced concern about conflicts in Ukraine and Africa, issues shared by other African leaders seeking to present their positions within the United Nations framework.
According to Francisco da Cruz, the address generated considerable attention and positive reactions within UN circles.
'The President's message had a significant impact because some media outlets even published analyses comparing the positions he defended last year as Chairperson of the African Union with those he presented this year in his national capacity,' he said.
The ambassador recalled that the President expressed deep concern about challenges affecting international law and the United Nations Charter and criticised certain unilateral measures adopted by some countries, particularly embargoes and their impact on the lives of ordinary people.
Francisco da Cruz also praised 'the highly professional and dynamic coverage provided by the national media' of the Angolan delegation's participation in the United Nations General Assembly and called for 'the continuation of this spirit of teamwork and dedication'.
