The new consular post, located at 77 Bloor Street West, was unveiled on Tuesday during a ceremony attended by diplomatic representatives, Canadian authorities, members of the Angolan community and special guests.
The opening of the consulate comes two years after the provisional start of services and ends a period of absence of active consular representation since the closure of the Angolan embassy in Ottawa in 2018.
According to Consul General Mateus Barros José, this inauguration represents a “historic moment” for the approximately 7,000 Angolans living in Canada.
“It is with great joy that we celebrate this important step today. It is a symbol of unity, reconciliation and freedom, especially in a year in which Angola celebrates 50 years of independence,” the diplomat told Lusa news agency.
Appointed to the position two years ago, Mateus José explained that the consulate's mission is to “serve Angolans and defend Angola's interests,” while also promoting trade, cultural and scientific relations with Canada.
The diplomat, who has a degree in International Relations and a Master's in Foreign Trade, also took on the challenge of strengthening bilateral cooperation and strengthening ties between the two countries.
For the Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Angolan Communities, Domingos Custódio Vieira Lopes, the opening of this consulate represents an “extension of the State's administration” abroad.
“Our citizens, who previously had to travel to Washington to process their documents, now have a structure at their fingertips, avoiding expensive and time-consuming trips,” said the official.
Vieira Lopes also highlighted that the new consulate is also prepared to serve Canadian and foreign citizens interested in investing in Angola, acting as an “institutional bridge” between the two countries.
“Everyone benefits from this opening: Angolans, Canadians and all those who see Angola as a partner for the future,” he declared.
The Angolan community in Canada, although dispersed, is described as growing and diverse.
Many of its members are involved in areas such as education, health, technology and trade. The existence of a consulate in Toronto could contribute to a greater organization of the diaspora and to the creation of associative and cultural networks with direct institutional support.
The ceremony took place in a festive atmosphere, marked by declarations of pride and emotion, and is part of the celebrations of the fiftieth anniversary of Angola’s independence, achieved in 1975.
For many present, the inauguration of the consulate not only strengthens the identity of the Angolan community in Canada, but also symbolizes the country’s diplomatic maturity and international projection.
“It’s the icing on the cake,” summarized the Secretary of State, referring to the symbolism of the date and the growing importance of the Angolan diaspora abroad.
