Luanda: The Angolan Foreign Affairs Minister Tete Antonio emphasized on Friday the significance of Constancinha Adelina Gaspar's leadership of the African Union (AU) mission in the United States. After touring the AU headquarters, Ant³nio emphasized the government's pride in the fact that the mission is under the direction of an Angolan diplomat for the first time.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the trip took place within the framework of President Joo Louren§o's official mission to the U.S., in his capacity as chairperson of the African Union. This occurred a few days after the December 4 signing of the peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Minister Ant³nio stated that Ambassador Gaspar, who has extensive experience within the AU, is settling into her post and is well-positioned to strengthen relations between the continental organization and the United States.
It was revealed that the Angolan representative had worked in the AU's Legal Department and served as interim head of the department. She had also carried out missions in New York before assuming leadership of the Washington mission. "We are convinced that she will make the most of the strategic partnership's potential between the African Union and the United States," he stated.
Constancia Gaspar, who has a degree in law, is the first Angolan and the fourth woman to head the AU mission in the US, succeeding diplomats from Tanzania and Zimbabwe. The diplomat considered her appointment recognition for Angola and an incentive for African women. She stressed that representing the 55 member states requires dedication and the ability to reconcile different interests. The diplomat was appointed in October by the chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Tet© Ant³nio noted that the AU-US partnership includes annual meetings between the AU Commission and US authorities, as well as US-Africa summits. He added that the presence of a "very vibrant" African diaspora, including people of African descent, reinforces the mission's political and cultural importance. The minister explained that the visit also aimed to demonstrate institutional support for the ambassador because of her Angolan nationality and Angola's role in the AU presidency.
Regarding the presence of more Angolan staff in AU structures, Ant³nio assured that Angola will continue to work to expand its representation. He highlighted that several generations of Angolans have already contributed to the organization, and the process remains ongoing. He reiterated that Angola's commitment to regional peace mediation is based on collective efforts and respect for AU principles, particularly the principle of "non-indifference."
"President Joo Louren§o's diplomatic actions have established Angola as a vital partner in conflict mediation processes," he said. Upon handing over the presidency of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region in Kinshasa, the Head of State reaffirmed Angola's commitment to regional stability, said the minister.
The minister emphasized that President Joo Louren§o, in addition to being a member of the AU, is a "Champion for Peace and Reconciliation in Africa," a status that gives him increased responsibility for preventing and resolving conflicts on the continent. "Those who seek peace will always have Angola's support," the Angolan diplomat said.
Tet© Ant³nio currently holds the position of president of the executive council of the African Union, one of the central bodies responsible for implementing the decisions of the conference of heads of state and government, defining policies, and coordinating actions among member states. As head of Angolan diplomacy and president of the council, he chairs meetings, guides debates on the appointment of commissioners, analyzes internal institutional processes, and contributes to defining continental priorities in the areas of peace, security, regional integration, and economic development. He also represents the AU at international multilateral meetings. For example, he participates in foreign relations forums, including G20 ministerial meetings.
