Africa-Press – Angola. The Minister of State for the Social Area, Carolina Cerqueira, announced, during a meeting with the US ambassador, Tulinabo Mushingi, that the Government has already channeled more than 850 tons of foodstuffs to help the populations affected by the drought, and has received guarantees from the implementation of a nutritional program, with the distribution of meals in schools based on enriched nutrients.
The diplomat did not give dates, but he insisted on emphasizing that his country’s intention consists of a “range of political initiatives, among which the reinforcement of support for the program to combat Covid-19” stands out.
This understanding stems from the fact that Angola and the United States signed, in 2010, a strategic partnership and cooperation agreement in several areas, with emphasis on trade, finance, energy, manufacturing, security, health and justice, having motivated the working meeting on Thursday, during which the parties analyzed the current state of cooperation.
In this regard, the Minister of State highlighted the need to expand support to combat drought in the South region, to reinforce structuring projects and ongoing social and resilience programs, in order to serve millions of people, particularly children, women and elderly people in the affected areas.
At that time, families experience great food shortages, taking into account the situation of vulnerability to which they are subject. The fight against Covid-19, within the scope of the COVAX program, malaria and other contagious diseases, such as Guinea worm, which have been receiving direct support from the United States, were, according to the press release that Jornal de Angola had. access, surfaced during the meeting.
The Minister of State for the Social Area also identified the areas of scientific research, support in training and capacity building of specialists, particularly in the field of technical-professional training, epidemiological surveillance and in laboratories , as being of great importance in the improvement of specific support in these matters.
Carolina Cerqueira highlighted the Executive’s initiatives, developed in line with policies to improve the social condition of families, such as the cash transfer programs-Kwenda, Me-renda Escolar, PIIM and the empowerment of women, as well as actions of great impact on the distribution of food and biosecurity means and support with medicines and vaccination to communities affected by the drought.
The construction of grand infrastructures such as the Cafu canal, dams and water reservoirs in the south of the country, to mitigate the lack of water and provide the population with well-being, was part of the presentation of the actions implemented by the Executive. “The Executive’s priority is to ensure that these populations have the minimum necessary, while building infrastructure capable of responding to the problem of severe drought in the region”, assured Carolina Cerqueira.
At the political level, the Minister of State thanked the North American Government for its efforts to collaborate in the country’s development, underlining the Executive’s commitment to preserving the peace, conquered 20 years ago, and continuing the efforts for the lasting development of the justice and social inclusion of all Angolans, as a way of guaranteeing the well-being of Angolans.
During the hearing, the two entities addressed issues related to the degree of execution of programs in favor of vulnerable populations, support in the face of the health crisis caused by Covid-19, post-pandemic economic recovery, combating drought in the south of the country and support to refugees from the DRC, located in Luvo, Lunda Norte province, as well as the preparation of the next elections in Angola.
United States maintains support
The US ambassador, Tulinabo Mushingi, said that his country would continue to work with the Angolan Government on issues related to assistance in food and drug security, economic recovery, support for the promotion of human rights , good governance and monitoring of environmental issues and climate change.
This commitment also extends to the fight against terrorism and the threats of health crises, the post-Covid-19 economic recovery and sustainable development, as a factor of peace and stability, identified by Ambassador Mushingi as being of great priority in the agenda of the Administration of President Joe Biden.
The United States is ready to continue to support Angola and strengthen cooperation in the economic and financial field. In this sense, the diplomat stressed that the fight against corruption, the strengthening of democracy, prosperity and peace are areas that the Angolan Executive has prioritized. He reaffirmed his country’s willingness to maintain cooperation with the Angolan authorities, with a view to “promoting a more cohesive, inclusive and fair society for all Angolans”.
Regarding the upcoming general elections, the US ambassador, Tulinabo Mushingi, said “I hope they will take place in a climate of peace, transparency, exemption and justice”.
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