Africa-Press – Angola. The President of the Republic, João Lourenço, assured this Monday, in Soyo (Zaire), that the new vessels for the Angolan Navy (MGA) were acquired in transparent processes and that they do not “pinch” the country’s image .
João Lourenço was responding to questions raised at a press conference after the reopening of the naval base in Soyo, province of Zaire, on the occasion of the 47th anniversary of the foundation of the Angolan Navy (MGA).
Asked whether the acquisition of vessels from the naval company Privinvest Shipbulding Investimentos LLC, involved in hidden debts in Mozambique, would affect the country’s image, the PR replied that “the process in no way undermines the good name of the navy and the Angolan State”.
He explained that “it is up to the States to report to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) the debts they contract and never the companies, and that Angola has nothing to do with what is happening in another country (…), for not meddling in other people’s affairs, and that each one should protect his good name”.
He informed that the company that supplied the equipment belongs to a business group that has given guarantees of honoring its commitments, reputable, with shipyards in France, Germany and England, and that equips navies in many good European countries, supplying corvettes and frigates.
“We have a clear conscience (…) and we will honor the commitment”, as the contract that aims to supply Angola with many more ships and means has not yet been concluded, in addition to the availability of the State to acquire means from other business groups.
João Lourenço stated that the rhythm of reception of new vessels will depend on the ability to pay.
However, he added that, by 2025, the country could have the frigates, while the three corvettes, the first could also arrive by 2025 and the rest in the following years.
On the other hand, he also promised to press for the timely completion of the construction works of the maritime surveillance centers in Namibe and Lobito to, in coordination with those in Barra do kwanza and Soyo, guarantee coverage of the Angolan coast and part of the Gulf. from Guinea.
New Naval Base
The PR declared that the country needs to build a new main Naval Base, due to the fact that the current one does not have more expansion zones.
It justified the need for a large base capable of hosting vessels such as corvettes, and in the future, frigates.
The Commander-in-Chief also underlined the importance of guaranteeing the maintenance of the infrastructures of the other branches of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA).
João Lourenço believes that the Soyo naval base will also contribute to the fight against piracy, fuel smuggling, illegal immigration and human trafficking.
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