Luanda: Angola and Cuba have revitalized their cultural collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two nations' ministries of culture, marking a significant milestone in their longstanding relationship.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the memorandum was signed by Filipe Zau, Angola's Minister of Culture, and Alpidio Alonso Grau, Cuba's Minister of Culture, during a ceremony in Havana. This agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in cultural heritage, arts education, artistic events, archives, and libraries. The initiative aims to deepen the understanding of the national identities, civilizations, cultures, and arts of both countries while also bolstering the cultural industries.
Filipe Zau emphasized the importance of the agreement, noting its provision for artists and cultural practitioners to participate in international festivals and exhibitions in both countries. It also facilitates the exchange of specialists to share knowledge and experiences. The Angolan minister highlighted the historical ties between Angola and Cuba, underscoring their shared cultural heritage, particularly the African roots that are evident in their musical and cultural expressions.
Zau stated, "The moment we are witnessing today, with the signing of this Cultural Cooperation Agreement, coinciding with the centenary of the birth of Commander Fidel Castro Ruz, marks a strategic turning point for our two ministries." He described the agreement as a bridge that will invigorate exchanges between creators, researchers, and artists from Angola and Cuba.
Present at the ceremony were senior officials from Angola's Ministry of Culture, including Cristina de F¡tima Camuhoto, Hermengarda Paula dos Santos, Daniel Joo Jorge, and Sandra Mfundu Kinavuidi. The Angolan delegation has been in Cuba since 9 August to participate in the first International Colloquium 'Fidel: Legacy and Future', commemorating the centenary of Fidel Castro Ruz's birth on 13 August.
During their visit, the delegation explored the Museum of Music, an institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of music history and musical instruments in Cuba. They also engaged with officials in the cultural industries and visited the Fidel Castro Ruz Centre, which focuses on the promotion, study, and research of the Cuban revolutionary leader's thoughts and works.
The cultural ties between Angola and Cuba are rooted in a shared history, with diplomatic relations established shortly after Angola's independence in 1975. The African influence in Cuban society and culture is significant, with approximately 1.3 million Africans, many from Angola, brought to Cuba during the transatlantic slave trade.
