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Embassy of Angola, Monday, November 13, 2006
Yours Excellencies
Honorable representatives of the United States Administration
Distinguished Invited Guests and Friends of Angola
Dear Fellow Citizens
Ladies and Gentlemen
First of all, may I thank all of you for accepting our invitation to join us tonight in celebration of one more Anniversary of the Republic of Angola, commemorated last Saturday, November 11, 2006. Interestingly, as Angola celebrates Independence Day, the United States of America also commemorates Veterans’ Day; and this fact brings our two peoples and countries much closer together.
31 years has elapsed since the late Dr. Agostinho Neto, the first Angolan president, solemnly proclaimed the independence of our country, thus putting Angola on the map of free nations on the African continent and the world.
November 11 therefore constitutes a historic landmark for all Angolans. I would remiss if I did not recall the immense sacrifices made by our People, so that the National Independence was achieved.
Courage, bravery, heroism, and wisdom inspired many of the best sons and daughters of our country, who gave their own life so that in November 11, 1975 we could realize the long awaited dream of freedom and conquest of dignity.
As we celebrate one more Anniversary of Independence, we cannot forget to express our appreciation and gratitude to those brothers and sisters from Africa, African nations and the entire world for extending their solidarity and support so that we could celebrate the anniversary of our beloved motherland with honor and glory.
Allow me, however, to especially reiterate the eternal appreciation of the Republic of Angola goes to the peoples, parties and Governments which, for the long and difficult years of the liberation struggle, lent their solidarity for our cause; their direct, concrete and effective support helped us to meet our goals; it helped us to be free, independent and proud of our sovereignty.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It has been four years since Angola achieved the much desired peace, which ended the bloodshed and loss of sacred lives of its courageous and peaceful children and, most importantly, established a sine qua non requirement for the construction of a bright and harmonious future, the improvement of the living standards of the population, and the eradication of poverty, with a view to economic growth and development.
Today peace in Angola is irreversible, thanks to the leadership and unbreakable commitment of H. E. President of the Republic, Eng. José Eduardo dos Santos and the contribution by all Angolans from Cabinda to Cunene. Suffice to say, Angola is a post-conflict nation, facing a number of challenges as a result of 27 years of armed strife.
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen
Although our country did not enjoy the same treatment and support the International Community extended to other countries under exactly the same circumstances, the good news is that, Angolan government did not sit idle. It instead assumed this phase of our history with responsibility, dedication, and great commitment. The Government worked tirelessly to stabilize the economy and, especially the national currency. These prospects allow us to look into the future with much hope.
As I speak, Angola currently has one of the economies with the most outstanding growth rates in the world. For instance, only last year, the Angolan economy recorded a 20.6% growth rate of GDP. Meanwhile, the inflation and exchange stability rates decreased considerably to 12%.
On the other hand, the Social and Economic Development Bank is being established to respond to the socio-economic development issues, especially at the small and medium enterprise level. This project is intended to introduce critical improvements in the living standards of the population through the establishment of new jobs and projects that impact directly on people’s livelihoods.
Throughout the country, signs of rehabilitation and reconstruction of schools, hospitals or health care centers are visible. Basic sanitation, recuperation and reconstruction of new socio-economic infrastructure, as well as the considerable decrease in internally displaced persons and refugees are examples worth mentioning.
The Angolan Government is working toward attracting new foreign investments and promoting national private sector to ensure that it is capable of participating effectively in the national reconstruction process, as well as claiming international prestige, considering the economic impact of globalization.
The Angolan government passed last October 18, the 2007-2008 General Program, based on the 2005-2006 General Program. This program ensures that key identified goals be achieved. These include specific programs as well as critical rehabilitation and construction projects.
The program provides for an annual cumulative inflation rate of 10% in 2007, and 8% in 2008. 260.000 new jobs are expected to be created in 2007, while 403.000 jobs will be provided in 2008.
Ladies and Gentlemen
With regard to the consolidation of peace and the ongoing democratic process in the country, the Angolan Government is committed to creating the political, legislative, logistical and psychological conditions to hold the second general elections.
These elections are intended to be fair, free, and transparent with a high turnout by the entire voting population, thus avoiding by all means the risk of disputes and discontent.
Having said that, the National Assembly – which is the Angolan Parliament – passed the legislative electoral package, which provides a crucial instrument serving as basis for voter registration and operation of the National Electoral Council. Electoral administrative bodies have been put in place at all levels, be they central, provincial, and municipal.
Meanwhile, the Angolan government will initiate the electoral registration process in two days time, that is, this Wednesday, November 15. This, Ladies and Gentlemen, is one of the primary requirements for holding the elections.
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am pleased to share with you that, the Angolan government is equally involved in restoring the cultural, moral, and civic values that were severely depleted as a result of the war.
This effort aims at ensuring that Angolan people learn to live and interact in a culturally diverse society, which is typical of our country, in an increasingly more diverse world. To this end, our Government will continue to strengthen and empower our institutions, and invest heavily on human capital. Major investments will also be directed to public order and security as well as in the improvement and management of the private and sector.
Firm steps were given also to ensure institutional normalcy, transparency, and good governance. The Angolan government considers these issues as important for the rule-of-law-based Angolan society.
Dear Friends,
Angola has also recorded considerable progress on the international and regional front.
Internationally, Angola was elected member of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); it was appointed to be Chair of the UN Peace-Building Commission.
At the regional level, Angola played a critical role in promoting peace in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, thus contributing to stabilize the region and put in place the organs of sovereignty.
On the sports front, worthy of encouragement for the entire Angolan people was the brilliant and dignifying participation of Angola, for the first time, in the World Cup Soccer held last summer in Germany. Important of note is Angola’s election as a host of CAN 2010, and South Africa, the World Cup Soccer 2010. Soccer being an international language uniting different cultures and beliefs, we believe that this news is an honorable event for our country, one that will serve to elevate our name and present a unique opportunity to showcase our potential.
My dear friends, not only are these facts and events meaningful victories for our country, but more importantly proof that Angolans and Angola enjoy a potential that is capable of transforming the negative image born out of years of war into positive images of trust and credibility internationally and regionally.
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen
Bilaterally, Angola and the United States of America enjoy the best political and economic relations of the last 13 years. Our job has and will continue to be that of ensuring that these relations strengthen, expand, and diversify.
As we celebrate another anniversary of our Independence, as a token of increased cooperation, I am proud to share with you that I just arrived from Seattle this morning, where I witnessed the formal delivery of five Boeing aircraft, 3 737-700 QC and 2 777-200ER, purchased by the Angolan government to revive TAAG’s air fleet.
The aircraft departed Seattle, State of Washington, Friday, November 10, and arrived in the capital Luanda, Saturday, November 11 to coincide with the Independence celebrations. Two more Boeing deliveries are scheduled for January and October next year.
The purchase of these aircraft was the result of President José Eduardo dos Santos official visit to the United States of America in 2004. With this historic hallmark, Luanda-Houston flights by TAAG have been ensured.
This, Ladies and Gentlemen, is an example of the outstanding diplomatic relations between two people and government who share the common goal of providing for their citizens.
Angola is one of the countries eligible for AGOA. Despite the positive results obtained so far in oil exports to the United States, both Governments are working hard to diversify exports from Angola to the USS, particularly in the area of agriculture, fisheries, and industry.
Also, Angola is happy to be a recipient of President Bush’s Initiative to Combat Malaria in Africa.
Moreover, trade, defense, transportation agreements, aimed at rehabilitating the Benguela Railroad, have been signed. As a result, high level United States delegations visited our country.
We are pleased to note that Angola and United States enjoy a close cooperation at the United Nations Security Council, my country has offered its contribution in the fight on international terror, which is really our common.
My country continues to benefit from some development support, especially in the area of fight against HIV/AIDS, education and agriculture.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Fellow Countrymen and Women
The Republic of Angola is making strides to increase the rates of socio-economic development, thus meeting the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
In closing, and considering the appropriateness of this year’s theme, I would like to propose a toast:
to the socio-economic prosperity and development in Angola,
to a better Angola, and
to the consolidation of peace and democracy.
Long Live the 31st Independence Anniversary of Angola!
I Thank You Very Much!
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