Africa-Press – Angola. Several Angolan government figures, members of the National Assembly, Defence and Security bodies and the diplomatic corps accredited in the country paid tribute to the heroes and veterans who contributed to the defeat of Nazism during the Second World War.The event, organised by the Russian Embassy in Angola, took place at the Military History Museum to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War.
On the occasion, Russian Ambassador Vladimir Tararov recalled that the 1945 victory was achieved at a very high price for the Soviet people.
The diplomat highlighted the central role of the former Soviet Union in the defeat of Nazism and reiterated the importance of historical memory as a basis for world peace. “The victory we celebrate today is not only Russia’s, but the civilised world’s victory against Nazism.
In 1941, fascist Germany attacked the Soviet Union without warning. It was four and a half years of sacrifice, which ended with the entry into Berlin and the definitive defeat of fascism,” he said.Vladimir Tararov recalled the role of the allies, including the United States, stressing that their aid was decisive in shortening the war. The diplomat drew a parallel between the Soviet resistance during the Second World War and the national liberation movements that emerged after the war, with special emphasis on Angola. “The Battle of Cuito Cuanavale can be compared, in terms of strategic and symbolic importance, to the Battle of Stalingrad. If Stalingrad made the end of Nazism inevitable, Cuito Cuanavale marked the beginning of the end of colonialism and apartheid on the African continent,” he said. Vladimir Tararov paid tribute to the Angolan, Soviet and Cuban fighters who fought side by side on African soil. “It is a feat that honours the people and inspires generations. We must join forces against the resurgence of Nazism, racism, xenophobia and all forms of extremism,” he appealed.Francisco Furtado speaks of the profound impacts
In turn, the Minister of State and head of the Military Household of the President of the Republic highlighted the historical importance of the victory of the Soviet Union in the Second World War, underlining the profound impacts that this moment had on the liberation struggle of the colonized peoples, especially Angola.
The statements were made on the sidelines of the ceremony commemorating Victory Day, which is celebrated on May 9.
According to the minister, the Soviet victory in the so-called Great Patriotic War “marked a turning point in the course of world history”, directly contributing to the advancement of liberation movements in Africa. “Angola benefited from this support. Our national liberation movement, the MPLA, was part of this celebration and had the support of the then Soviet Union in the fight for independence and in the preservation of sovereignty throughout 27 years of war”, he stated.The minister considered that the celebration of the date is also relevant for Angola, since it symbolizes the teachings inherited from Russian military consultants, whose contribution was decisive in the patriotic and technical training of the Angolan Armed Forces.
“Everything we were able to apply in our fight to defend national sovereignty, we owe a lot to what we learned from Russian consultants”, he stressed, recalling milestones such as the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale.
When asked about the current international situation, Francisco Furtado acknowledged the complexity of the geopolitical moment. “The world is going through a difficult phase of understanding, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has significant impacts, not only in military terms, but above all in the economies, including those of African countries”, he highlighted.
Despite the war scenario, Francisco Furtado stressed that Angola maintains Russia as a strategic partner. Furtado reiterated that military cooperation between the two countries remains firm.“We have a large number of officers trained in Russia, and much of our military equipment is of Russian origin. Its maintenance and updating are priorities, with continued support from Russia,” he said.
Victory Day is celebrated in several countries of the former Soviet Union as a date of deep historical and patriotic memory.
JORNALDEANGOLA
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