Luanda: Angolan President Joo Louren§o on Thursday praised the important role of several friendly countries and peoples in the process of liberation, preservation of sovereignty, and reconstruction of Angola, considering their help 'an invaluable gesture of solidarity' throughout the 50 years of national independence. The Head of State was speaking at the opening of the 8th decoration ceremony, as part of the Independence Jubilee celebrations, which recognizes national and foreign personalities and institutions for their contribution to consolidating peace and developing the country.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Joo Louren§o stated that the act represents a 'gesture of recognition and thanks' to all those who supported Angola in the most decisive moments in its history, from the fight for independence to national reconstruction. In this sense, the statesman highlighted the help provided by the socialist countries of Eastern Europe, with special emphasis on the former Soviet Union, which he considered 'determining for the achievement of independence and national sovereignty, its preservation and consolidation', in addition to having trained 'thousands of young Angolan cadres' in its universities and military academies.
He also expressed deep gratitude to the Cuban people, recalling Operation Carlota, which paved the way for the participation of Cuban troops in the main military operations in Angola, contributing to the defense of independence and territorial integrity. The President also highlighted Cuba's role in the technical and scientific training of thousands of young Angolans, as well as in cooperation in the education and health sectors, areas in which the country has left lasting marks.
Joo Louren§o also expressed recognition to the People's Republic of China, which, in the post-conflict period, granted substantial lines of financing that enabled the reconstruction of the main national infrastructures. 'It was with the support of China that the country-built roads, bridges, electrical networks, water supply systems, the Benguela Railway, the Port of Caio and the Dr. Ant³nio Agostinho Neto International Airport', recalled the Head of State.
The President also reserved words of appreciation for the Vatican, for the historic gesture of Pope Paul VI, who received in audience the leaders of the liberation movements of Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau, in a clear message of support for the end of colonialism and the self-determination of African peoples. He also expressed recognition of the Protestant, Methodist, and Congregational churches in the United States and Canada, for their role in the education, moral formation, and national consciousness of young Angolans, as well as for social action in the most disadvantaged communities.
Joo Louren§o also welcomed the solidarity committees from Western Europe, particularly Sweden, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Italy, for their political and humanitarian support for the cause of Angola's liberation. The statesman also made special mention of the African countries that welcomed the Angolan liberation movements, such as Morocco, Tanzania, Congo-Brazzaville, Zambia, Nigeria, and Algeria, the latter also for financial aid and the training of the first staff in the national oil sector.
According to Joo Louren§o, this gesture of recognition 'eternalizes the most memorable moments in the common history between Angola and its partners', serving as an example and inspiration for current and future generations.
