President Invites Cuban Counterpart to Independence Celebrations

Luanda: President Joo Lourenço invited on Thursday his Cuban counterpart, Miguel Díaz-Canel, to participate in the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of National Independence in Luanda on November 11. According to Angola Press News Agency, the former Cuban head of state, Raúl Castro Ruz, was also invited. The invitation letters were delivered by the Angolan ambassador to Cuba, Carlos Sardinha Dias, during a meeting with the Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Parrilla, at the Cuban diplomatic headquarters. During the meeting, the diplomats expressed satisfaction with the excellent state of bilateral relations and agreed on the importance of maintaining collaboration, particularly in the areas of health, education, civil construction, sports, and transportation. The Cuban foreign minister conveyed to the Angolan diplomat the historical and strategic value that Cuba places on its relations with Angola, which began during the era of slavery and developed amid the struggle for independence, as well as th e preservation of Angolan sovereignty and territorial integrity. The meeting also served to reiterate gratitude to Angola for its support in opposing the U.S. embargo at the United Nations, the African Union, and other multilateral forums. Recently, the Angolan head of state awarded Cuban army corps general Leopoldo Cintra Frías the commemorative medal for the 50th anniversary of national independence. The award recognizes the legendary general's role in defending Angola's independence and territorial integrity. He is the second Cuban to receive this recognition. The first was General Rafael Moracén Limonta, who was posthumously awarded the "Peace and Development Medal" for his contributions to Angolan independence.