Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, which took place in the Grand Hall of the Presidential Palace, the head of state justified the changes to the embassies.
"We decided to rotate a considerable number of ambassadors, heads of mission, to comply with the principle of rotation after a period of time that we considered reasonable, estimated at around three to four years," he began by saying.
"Although we have also appointed some as ambassadors, heads of mission, who will be exercising this role for the first time – there are few of them –, the majority of them are leaving one country for another," he added.
In his speech, released by the Presidency of the Republic and to which VerAngola had access, João Lourenço also said that there is confidence in the ability of the new ambassadors to collaborate to strengthen relations of friendship and cooperation between Angola and the countries in which they were accredited: "We would like to say that we trust in your ability to contribute to the strengthening of ties of friendship and cooperation between Angola and the countries where you will be accredited".
"Defending Angola's good name abroad, contributing to attracting private investment and attracting tourism to Angola, are some of the missions they should take with them," he added.
Finally, the President of the Republic wished "everyone a great success in carrying out the duties they will undertake from this date".
The ceremony was attended by several entities, including the Vice President of the Republic, Esperança da Costa.
The list of ambassadors sworn in is composed of Ana Maria de Oliveira (ambassador to the United Nations Offices and Other International Organizations in Geneva); Carlos Cruz de Lemos Sardine (Cuba); Edgar Augusto Brandão Gaspar Martins (Belgium and European Union); Fernando Miguel (Vietnam); João Salvador dos Santos Neto (Türkiye); Joaquim do Espírito Santo (Gabon); José Gonçalves Martins Patrício (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland); Mankento Sebastião Lopes (Egypt); Maria Candida Pereira Teixeira (UNESCO); Mário de Azevedo Constantino (Kenya and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi); Nelson Manuel Cosme (Israel); Dalva Maurícia Calombo Ringote Allen (China) and Syanga Kivuila Samuel Abílio (Korea).
