"In this hour of pain and mourning, in my personal name, in that of my family and in that of everyone who works at the Embassy of the Republic of Angola in the Portuguese Republic, I express my condolences in the certainty that our country has lost one of its most illustrious children and in the hope that his example as a distinguished nationalist will inspire current generations in the creation of a united, prosperous and increasingly better Angola for all of us", reads the note of condolence addressed to the family and to which agency Lusa had access.
Co-author with Manuel Rui Monteiro of "Angola Avante", the anthem of Angola, Rui Mingas was his country's ambassador to Portugal in the 1990s, having been decorated, on July 26, 1995, with the Order of Infante D. Henrique, which distinguishes those who have provided relevant services to Portugal, as well as services in the expansion of Portuguese culture or knowledge of Portugal, its History and its values.
Born in Luanda, Rui Mingas was also an athlete in the 1950s and 1960s, having competed in the high jump and the 110 meter hurdles, achieving a national record in Portugal in 1960.
In her note of condolence, Maria de Jesus Ferreira highlights that it was with "deep consternation and a feeling of regret" that she learned of Rui Mingas' death.
"In 1979, Rui Mingas took over the leadership of the State Secretariat for Physical Education and Sports (SEEFD) for ten years, being largely responsible for the booming period in the development of sport in Angola", highlights the diplomat.
"He was also a poet, singer and composer, winning a prize from the Portuguese Society of Authors in 2014. In Portugal, he was also distinguished with the Lusophone Personality award, given by the International Lusophone Movement, in 2016", adds.
