Luanda: The First Vice-Speaker of the National Assembly, Américo António Cuononoca, paid tribute on Wednesday in Havana, Cuba, to the universal figure of Fidel Castro, recognizing his dedication to the fight against colonialism and the solidarity shown towards Angola. Américo Cuononoca spoke at the Parliamentary Forum "Fidel and Parliamentary Diplomacy," held at the Havana Convention Centre as part of the First International Colloquium "Fidel: Legacy and Future," which concludes on Thursday, marking the centenary of the birth of the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution. According to Angola Press News Agency, the Angolan parliamentarian described Fidel Castro as a figure of universal stature due to his role in the fight against colonialism and the oppression of the peoples of Africa, Latin America, and Asia. On the occasion, he expressed Angola's gratitude for the assistance provided by Cuba during the national liberation struggle and in defending the country's sovereignty, highlighting the historical ti es of friendship between the two peoples. The Parliamentary Forum "Fidel and Parliamentary Diplomacy," convened by the International Relations Committee of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba, brought together legislators from over a dozen countries across five continents. The meeting addressed the life and work of Fidel Castro, with a particular focus on the contribution of his political vision to parliamentary diplomacy and the strengthening of relations of friendship and solidarity among nations. Américo Cuononoca stated that Cuban parliamentary diplomacy continues to preserve and expand, based on Fidel Castro's legacy, historical ties with partner nations. On the sidelines of the forum, the Angolan MP was received by the President of the Cuban Parliament, Esteban Lazo Hernández, and visited the Fidel Castro Centre, dedicated to the study, research, and dissemination of the thought and work of the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution. Parliamentary cooperation between Angola and Cuba re ceived a new boost with the renewal, in September 2025, of the Parliamentary Cooperation Protocol, in force since July 2012. The new agreement added three areas of cooperation and foresees the strengthening of the exchange of delegations, experiences, and knowledge, as well as the training and capacity-building of parliamentary administration staff. The instrument also covers initiatives for support and solidarity between the two legislative bodies, reaffirming the historical ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
