Africa-Press – Angola. The Angolan ambassador to Italy, Josefa Sacko, highlighted, on Wednesday, the advances in national reconstruction, the Government’s commitment to economic diversification and the investment in family farming.
The diplomat made these statements during the diplomatic reception organized by the Angolan Embassy in Italy, on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of National Independence, marked Tuesday (11).
On the occasion, she also referred to the reforms that facilitate foreign investment, citing the exemption from tourist visas for citizens of 98 countries, a measure adopted in 2023, as an example of the new open environment.
The ambassador said that, since the end of the armed conflict in 2002, Angola has assumed a central role in the stability of the African continent, with special attention to the Great Lakes Region, where the country has mediated peace and reconciliation efforts.
She also mentioned the support of the international community throughout the five decades of sovereignty and recalled that Italy was the first Western European country to officially recognize Angola’s independence, a gesture that consolidated the foundations of a close friendship.
In the field of bilateral cooperation, the ambassador stated that relations between Angola and Italy remain firm and productive, with emphasis on the Lobito Corridor, integrated into the Mattei Plan for Africa and the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, as one of the main projects of common interest.
Josefa Sacko took the opportunity to record the statements of the first President of Angola, António Agostinho Neto, who proclaimed independence on November 11, 1975, highlighting that this moment “marked the birth of a free nation and determined to build its future”.
She stated that the 50 years of National Independence represent not only the liberation of the Angolan people, but also an affirmation of Angola as a sovereign and stable country which is open to international cooperation.
During the ceremony, the ambassador paid tribute to Italian figures who support the Angolan cause, such as student Piero Bruno, killed in 1975 during a demonstration in solidarity with Angola, and leaders Giovanni Leone and Aldo Moro, recently decorated by President João Lourenço.
In turn, the Plenipotentiary Minister Cristiano Gallo, representative of the Italian government at the event, followed Angola’s progress in recent years and reaffirmed Italy’s desire to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The program included the screening of a documentary about the 50th anniversary of independence, a photographic exhibition, poetry readings, live music and dance performances, in an atmosphere of celebration and fraternity.
However, the event was attended by representatives of the Italian government, ambassadors accredited in Rome, businesspeople and members of the Angolan community.
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