The work, which is being carried out by the company Mota-Engil and received financial support from Portugal, represents, according to Francisco Alegre Duarte, a "gesture of maturity in the relationship between equals", in the year that marks the 50th anniversary of Angola's independence.
The São Francisco do Penedo Fortress, located in Luanda, is one of the oldest military structures in the capital. It was built in the 18th century by the Portuguese, with the aim of protecting the city and the bay of Luanda, and has played a strategic role throughout history, being used as a military barracks, slave depot and prison.
"I hope it will be ready in time for November 11, but I am not the owner of the work", explained Francisco Alegre Duarte, noting that the rehabilitation is being carried out by the Angolan Ministry of Public Works and also has the participation of the Angolan Ministry of Culture.
The ambassador highlighted the museum component, which has included "an important exchange" between the two countries, considering that this joint project is an example of how Angola and Portugal have been mutually celebrating historical dates.
"Last year, we had President João Lourenço in Portugal for the official celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the 25th of April. This year, we will also have Portuguese representation here, at the highest level", he noted, emphasizing that this collaboration goes beyond the economic and institutional plane.
Another symbolic moment recalled by the Portuguese diplomat was the visit, last year, to the Santana cemetery, in Luanda, where around 500 Portuguese soldiers are buried.
"It was truly a solemn, moving moment", he recalled, arguing that the initiative illustrates the ability of both countries to deal with the past in a respectful and constructive manner.
Francisco Alegre Duarte also highlighted that the Portuguese-Angolan communities are communities of "affection", visible in the reciprocal welcome given to Angolans in Portugal and Portuguese in Angola, and in the existence of many Portuguese-Angolans.
"We estimate that there are around 130 thousand national citizens [in Angola], of which 60 percent are dual nationals. This clearly shows the level of integration", he said, noting that the community also shares "joys", as was evident, for example, in the celebrations for Portugal's victory in the League of Nations on Sunday.
To the younger generation, with no memory of decolonization, the diplomat left a message of confidence in the partnerships that have been built.
"Angola has no better partner than Portugal to face the challenges of the future, particularly in economic diversification and in the creation of quality jobs, with the training of human capital and local staff", he stressed, adding that other Portuguese-speaking partnerships, such as those involving Brazil, are welcome if they contribute to the common good and to a "space of shared prosperity".
The ambassador also stressed that, despite the challenges inherent to immigration, the Angolan community in Portugal is "very well integrated" and today constitutes a fundamental element in the relationship between the two countries.
"Many of the greatest figures in Angolan culture, music and beyond, are in Portugal. This shows how close the relationship is", he argued.
