Angolan Embassy Engages Diaspora in Spain Amid Independence Celebrations

Madrid: The Angolan Embassy in Spain held a consultation meeting on Friday with the Angolan community residing in Spanish territory, as part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of National Independence. The meeting took place at the premises of the Diplomatic Mission, bringing together association leaders, students, professionals, missionaries, and other members of the Angolan diaspora. According to Angola Press News Agency, the event was chaired by Angolan ambassador to Spain, Balbina da Silva, and aimed to strengthen ties between the Diplomatic Mission and the community, listening directly to the desires, challenges, and proposals of Angolan citizens in Spain. During her speech, the diplomat emphasized the role of the community as a representative of Angola's effort across borders and underlined the Mission's commitment to citizen-centered diplomacy, quality consular services, and enhancing the diaspora as a strategic asset for national development. Among the commitments made by the Ambassador are the protection of the rights and interests of Angolans in Spain, with special attention to students, professionals, women heads of families, and young people in training. She also highlighted plans to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Spain in areas such as education, health, energy, agriculture, tourism, and culture, while promoting a modern image of Angola in line with objectives of economic diversification and regional integration. At the meeting, the diplomat also presented the Embassy's plan of activities and stressed the need for ongoing dialogue with Angolan citizens, identifying key community concerns such as the consular registration process and the issuance of documents like identity cards and criminal records. Cristina Paulina, representing the area of psychology and community influence for SG, called for the creation of a social department within the Mission to support Angolans, especially young women in vulnerable situations. The Move Angola association reiterated concerns about the legaliz ation of the institution in Spain, support for medical consultations with translation, and proposed the creation of a "House of Angolan Culture." Jean Barnabé, President of the Association for the Progress of the Angolan Nation in Spain, praised the Ambassador's initiative and suggested identifying Angolan entrepreneurs in the country, as well as supporting the creation of a national association of the Angolan diaspora. The Diplomatic Mission also received expressions of support from religious congregations and resident missionaries, who offered their parishes for collaboration in social and cultural support initiatives. Ambassador Balbina Malheiros da Silva reaffirmed the Mission's commitment to unity, trust, and cooperation, highlighting the essential role of Angolan youth, students, and entrepreneurs abroad as key figures in the country's development. As part of the fiftieth-anniversary celebrations, various cultural, economic, and social activities are planned with active participation from the Angolan community in Spain. "We want to walk together to make Angola's presence in Spain stronger, not only institutionally but also in the heart and daily life of each Angolan residing here," the Ambassador concluded.