Angola’s Ambassador Joins Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day Celebrations

Luanda: Angola's Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Baltazar Diogo Cristóvo, attended the 46th anniversary of Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day on Saturday, a ceremony held at Rufaro Stadium in Harare. The event was themed 'Ensuring Peace and Stability for the Achievement of Vision 2030,' and was presided over by President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces Emmerson Mnangagwa. It saw the participation of government officials, military officers, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries. According to Angola Press News Agency, Ambassador Cristóvo joined the authorities and guests in honoring the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for their contribution to safeguarding national sovereignty, peace, and stability. These factors are regarded as essential for the country's economic and social development. The participation of the Angolan diplomat underscored the longstanding ties of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation between Angola and Zimbabwe, notably in the realms of peace, security, and regional stability. Dur ing his address, President Mnangagwa emphasized the necessity of modernizing the nation's defense capabilities, with a focus on cyber security and the challenges posed by the rising use of artificial intelligence in the security and defense sectors. He also underscored the imperative of establishing a national defense industry grounded in science, technology, and innovation. Furthermore, Mnangagwa highlighted the Defence Forces' role in ensuring food security and implementing civil-military action programs, such as the construction of schools, health facilities, and other community infrastructure. On a regional and international level, Mnangagwa reiterated Zimbabwe's dedication to cooperation in security, border control, and humanitarian demining. He also expressed the country's commitment to participating in peacekeeping missions and initiatives under the auspices of the United Nations, the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The celebrations featured military parades, cul tural performances, and acknowledgments of the Defence Forces' role in maintaining national peace and stability, with simultaneous ceremonies across Zimbabwe's ten provinces. The collaboration between Angola and Zimbabwe in peace and security has a significant history, particularly through Zimbabwe's involvement in United Nations missions in Angola, including all three phases of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM). These missions oversaw different stages of Angola's peace and reconciliation process following the Bicesse Accords and the Lusaka Protocol.