Luanda: The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tete Ant³nio, received, on Tuesday in Luanda, the Credentials of the new representative of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to Angola, Matthew William Cummins, ANGOP has learned. Minister Tete Ant³nio welcomed the new representative and reaffirmed the Angolan government's willingness to deepen cooperation with UNICEF. He said doors remain open to dialogue and partnership for the benefit of human development and the well-being of Angolan children.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the event took place in a year of particular significance for relations between Angola and UNICEF, as the institution celebrates 50 years of continuous presence and cooperation in the country. Over the past five decades, the organization has played a significant role in supporting public policies focused on childhood, maternal and child health, education, nutrition, access to drinking water, basic sanitation, and the protection of children's rights.
The partnership between Angola and UNICEF has contributed to important advances in national social indicators, through the implementation of programs aimed at reducing infant mortality, expanding vaccination, improving access to education, strengthening social protection, and promoting the fundamental rights of children and adolescents.
Matthew Cummins expressed satisfaction with the commitment demonstrated by the Angolan government in protecting and promoting children's rights. The new head of the UNICEF office in Angola recalled that the country has 11 commitments in this area and reaffirmed the organization's commitment to continue cooperation with national authorities, in accordance with the priorities defined by the government.
Matthew Cummins stated that he arrives in Luanda with in-depth knowledge of the African continent, having worked in countries such as Senegal and Kenya.
