Africa-Press – Angola. The Angolan ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, José Filipe, stated, on Saturday (15), that the 50th anniversary of National Independence represents “a historic journey marked by resistance, encounters and reinventions”, which consolidated the country’s identity and sovereignty.
The diplomat was speaking at the official ceremony held at the Mohammed V Theatre, in Rabat, which brought together representatives of the Moroccan Government, members of the diplomatic corps and the resident Angolan community.
José Filipe highlighted that November 11th remains the central reference in national history, as it allowed “the struggle to become a homeland and the dream into reality”, giving rise to a State aware of its dignity and its role in the international context.
He added that Independence reflects a journey of centuries, uniting the heritage of ancestral kingdoms with resistance against colonial rule and the collective will of Angolans to build a united and prosperous nation.
When revisiting the moments that followed the 1975 proclamation, the ambassador recalled that Angola was born in an adverse scenario, with the armed conflict still threatening the capital.
He stressed, however, that the country preserved national unity during 27 years of war and, after more than two decades of Peace and Reconciliation, remains committed to strengthening political sovereignty, economic independence and productive capacity.
“On the fiftieth anniversary of Independence, Angola reaffirms the conviction that the progress of nations depends on the ability to cooperate”, stated the diplomat, framing this principle in the strategy of economic diversification, improving the investment environment and strengthening diplomacy for development.
The celebration featured a performance by the Kilandukilu Traditional Ballet, which presented cultural expressions representative of the Angolan identity to the public, providing a moment of artistic and patriotic exaltation.
Cooperation with Morocco strengthened
During the event, José Filipe highlighted the contribution of the Kingdom of Morocco to the liberation struggle, remembering that Moroccan support preceded the birth of the Angolan State.
He mentioned Agostinho Neto’s visit to Tangier and Rabat in 1962, during a period in which Morocco welcomed Angolan leaders and fighters, promoting training and logistical support essential to the resistance.
The diplomat also mentioned that the symbolism of this contribution was recently reaffirmed with the posthumous decoration awarded by President João Lourenço to the late King Hassan II, a gesture that recovers a significant page in the friendship between the two countries.
Within the scope of bilateral cooperation, José Filipe reaffirmed that Angola seeks to involve Morocco in the national construction effort, with priority for the agricultural, logistics, energy and industrial sectors.
He highlighted the fertilizer supply agreement signed in August, lasting five years, which establishes the annual shipment of 180 thousand tons to Angola, with a total value of 500 million dollars.
The ambassador said that the process of reinvigorating cooperation reflects the Angolan tradition of prioritizing relationships based on equality, reciprocity and shared benefits, reiterating the commitment to strengthening the historical ties between the two countries
The Moroccan Government was represented by Abdellah Boutadhart, director of African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who congratulated Angola on 50 years of Independence.
On the occasion, he considered the tribute to King Hassan II a recognition of the former Sovereign’s commitment to promoting freedom, peace and development in Africa.
He said that Angola and Morocco play important roles in regional stability and within the African Union.
Source: ANGOP
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