Angola celebrates today, November 11, the 46thAnniversary of the Proclamation of its National Independence, an event of utmost importance and high historical sense for all Angolans.
Angola’s independence was proclaimed on November 11th, 1975, at the height of the Cold War that led to the division of Angolans, launching them into a violent civil war destroying the already limited infrastructure and the economic and social fabric, involuntary movement and death of millions of citizens.
The 17 years of civil war that broke out on the threshold of the declaration of independence, and the post-elections conflict of 1992 that lasted ten years, greatly postponed the ideals of a united and fortified Nation dedicated to the development, without discrimination based on of race, ethnicity, social origin, religious believes and any other manifestation of human rights violation.
Peace was obtained in 2002 and the foundations of national development were laid on a vast rehabilitation programme for infrastructure damaged during the war, the reconstitution of the social fabric and national reconciliation, and forgiveness, tolerance and equality are the fundamental principles.
Since then, relevant facts, some good and a few bad, have been taking place in our People’s path towards constructing a solid and equal Nation for all its citizens.
In his recent speech on the State of the Angolan Nation, delivered on October 15th, 2021, H. E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, reiterated the Government’s objective of deepening democracy and the rule of law in Angola, establishing the basis for the existence of a dynamic economy and an efficient and inclusive market, as pillars for the prosperity and well-being of all Angolans.
EXCELLENCIES,
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
The fight against corruption and impunity and the approval of the asset recovery law have been instruments used to strengthen the action carried out by the Angolan State under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Angola.
The financial crisis caused by the drop in the price of a barrel of oil, aggravated by the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, constituted an additional challenge for the Angolan government, which did not prevent the ongoing structural reforms in the various sectors of economic activity and financial, in State incentives to production, in the creation of a business environment favourable to the attraction of national and foreign private investment, in the training of human capital, creation of infrastructure and investment in the development of the non-oil sector, whose effects are evident today.
EXCELLENCIES,
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
Allow me to express on behalf of the Angolan Government our sincere gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces of the UAE, and to all the leaders of this brother Country, for the fraternal welcome and support that has been given to us, essential for the exercise of our duties and to work sparing no effort to deepen our bonds of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Thank you very much for the hospitality you have provided us!
We join the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Arab Emirates, on next December 2, marking the Golden Jubilee of this great Nation. We are impressed by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who transformed this Country into a showcase of globalization and a true desert miracle. Through a policy of tolerance and moderation, openness, diversity and inclusion, this Country has become a dreamland for many people worldwide and, without a doubt, a model to follow. Well done!
In the enormous task of developing our country, we hope to always count on the experience and cooperation of the United Arab Emirates. Your history and your example as a nation are inspiring for all Angolans.
EXCELLENCIES,
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
Our relations, established on December 11, 1997, have been strengthened with several official visits, and mutual support on elections for roles in international organizations. Moreover, significant progress in respect to the bilateral cooperation has been made over the last years as evidenced by the signature of agreements and memoranda of understanding on general cooperation, promotion and protection of investments, avoidance of double taxation, air services – and, very soon, the definition of a framework that facilitates the reciprocal issuance of entry visas for the citizens of both countries.
We enthusiastically salute the election of the UAE as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2022-2023 and to the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2022-2024 and the candidacy of the country as member of the Executive Committee of UNICEF to the period 2022-2024.
We welcome the growing presence of Emirati companies in the Angolan market, such as DP World and Emirates Airlines and other who contact us everyday, and the frequent arrival of dozens of Angolans who find in the UAE supporting ground to carry out their business plans.
It is with great pleasure that we celebrate our freedom and sovereignty, recalling the sacrifices and efforts of our great People who heroically fought for Angola to emerge as an independent nation.
EXCELLENCIES
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
Our motto this year is: United, we build a Prosperous Angola.
Salute the November 11!
Long live Angola!
Long live the UAE!
Long live the friendship between our two countries and Peoples!
Thank you very much.
