Topeka:Luanda: Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio highlighted the importance of diplomacy, international law, and structured dialogue for conflict resolution and global peace during a virtual keynote address to American law students.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the minister spoke to students in the Public International Law program at Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas. He reflected on his diplomatic career, discussing topics such as international law, international criminal jurisdiction, state sovereignty, and mediation in conflict prevention and resolution.
During a question-and-answer session, Minister Antonio emphasized that diplomacy requires a multidisciplinary approach, including mastery of international law, history, politics, and economics, as well as proficiency in multiple languages and the ability to adapt to multicultural environments. He explained Angola's stance on the International Criminal Court, contextualizing it within the country's history of civil war and peace efforts initiated in 2002.
The minister reiterated Angola's commitment to the United Nations Charter, the African Union Charter, and International Law. He emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty of states and the principle of non-interference while acknowledging the necessity of applying the principle of non-indifference in accordance with International Law.
Minister Antonio also highlighted Angola's active role in various peace initiatives across the African continent, particularly in the Great Lakes region. He stressed the importance of maintaining trust and a balanced position in mediation efforts, underscoring the need for persuasion and dialogue with the consent of all parties involved.
He advocated for multilateralism as a crucial tool for peaceful conflict resolution and supported reforming the United Nations to make it more inclusive and responsive to current global challenges. Minister Antonio noted that global problems, such as climate change and economic inequalities, require global responses.
For students aspiring to a diplomatic career, he advised strong academic preparation, discipline, empathy, and a commitment to state service, emphasizing the diplomat's role in executing state foreign policy over personal interests.
In closing, he appealed for rationality in the face of crises in multilateralism and democracy, reaffirming Angola's dedication to dialogue and diplomacy to safeguard international peace and security.
