João Lourenço, who was speaking at the ceremony of presentation of greetings by the diplomatic corps accredited in Angola, pointed out the war in Ukraine as “a serious threat to peace and security” in Europe and the world, causing the biggest energy, food and humanitarian crisis since the Second World War.
“We call for the establishment of a definitive and unconditional ceasefire by Russia, so that the necessary negotiating environment can be created between the parties involved, which will lead to the construction of a solid and lasting peace in that continent”, he underlined.
The head of state continued with the focus on Russia, stressing that "today's reality contrasts with the status and prestige" that this power achieved at the time, joining the then allies - United States of America, United Kingdom and France - to liberate Europe and the world from occupation and the Nazi threat.
“It is time to negotiate and make peace, the world will recognize this step in the right direction of History”, encouraged Lourenço, addressing ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions, at the ceremony interrupted two years due to the covid-19 pandemic.
Addressing recent events in Brazil, João Lourenço again condemned “vehemently the assault on the institutions of the executive, legislative and judicial branches”, in an attempt to reverse the constitutional order and the legitimacy of the power conferred at the ballot box.
“In those hours on Sunday, Brazilian democracy experienced moments of great danger and uncertainty due to the fact that events could have evolved into a coup d'état”, lamented the head of state.
A "serious attack" against democracy that led the world to show solidarity in unison with the government of Lula da Silva "out of respect for the express will of the Brazilian people", he added.
In another field, he pointed out the efforts of Angolan diplomacy in the mediation and resolution of conflicts in the Great Lakes Region, in Central Africa and in the Community for the Development of Southern Africa (SADC).
“We continue to develop, together with the community of East African States, important efforts for the pacification of eastern DR Congo and the re-establishment of friendly and good neighborly relations between DR Congo and Rwanda, in the spirit of the deliberations of the last summit from Luanda”, he stressed.
In addition, “Angola contributes with the projection of community forces and means in the collective effort to fight terrorism and pacify Cabo Delgado in Mozambique”.
The President also addressed the reforms that he has been implementing in recent years "with a view to guaranteeing the fundamental freedoms of citizens, reducing bureaucracy in the civil service, combating corruption and impunity", progress that he said was also due to the improvement of the business environment and the success of the program with the World Bank group and the International Monetary Fund, "which increased Angola's credibility".
The head of state also highlighted other actions that reflect the importance that the executive attaches to the private sector and public investments in infrastructure, the social sector and education, as well as the fight against drought and poverty.
