Africa-Press – Angola. Russia’s ambassador to Angola, Vladimir Tararov, said Thursday in Luanda that the defense sector remains one of the strongest areas of cooperation between the two countries, the result of a relationship cemented on deep historical foundations.
The diplomat made the statement during the International Conference on the Role of Frontline Countries in the Total Liberation of Southern Africa, while addressing Panel II on Internationalist Military Coordination in the Liberation of Southern Africa, with the theme “The participation of Russia (former USSR) in the liberation of Southern Africa.”
The diplomat reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening Angola’s strategic partnership within the framework of bilateral cooperation, keeping the bonds of blood, sacrifice, and solidarity very much alive.
Vladimir Tararov, who highlighted the performance of Russian and Cuban forces in the liberation of Southern Africa, recalled that it was with the political, diplomatic, material and military support of the then Soviet Union that Angola was able to resist and defeat the nuclear power of South Africa.
According to the diplomat, the former USSR stood by African countries at decisive moments in their history, not only as a partner but as a front-line ally in the fight against colonialism and apartheid.
Vladimir Tararov emphasized that “the victory of Angolan and Cuban forces, with Soviet support, in the battle of Cuito Cuanavale (Angola), forced South Africa to begin negotiations that culminated in the 1988 New York Agreements,” allowing Namibia’s independence and paving the way for the end of South African apartheid.
The diplomat highlighted Angola’s strategic geopolitical role in the region, rich in mineral resources and with growing political influence and noted that the country is today an example of social and economic stability in Southern Africa, thanks to the international support provided during the most difficult years of its history.
Vladimir Tararov said “thousands of Angolan children were welcomed into the Soviet Union, where they were able to study in peaceful conditions while their parents fought for national independence.”
Relations between the countries were formalized in 1975.
The international conference on the Role of Frontline Countries in the Total Liberation of Southern Africa is part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Angola’s National Independence, which aims to reflect on the contributions of these countries in the struggle against colonialism and the apartheid regime, as well as to analyze the current challenges of integration and development on the continent.
The meeting was attended by members of the government, politicians, diplomats, academics, religious leaders, researchers, former President of Mozambique Joaquim Chissano, General Leopoldo Cintra Frias of Cuba, SWAPO Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa, Russian Ambassador to Angola Vladimir Tararov, among other personalities.
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