The invitation letters were delivered on Thursday in Havana by the Angolan ambassador to Cuba, Carlos Cruz de Lemos Sardinha Dias, to the Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, during a meeting in which the parties highlighted the "excellent state of bilateral relations".
According to an official statement, the head of Cuban diplomacy highlighted the "historical and strategic value" that Cuba attributes to its relationship with Angola, which began in the days of slavery and was consolidated with Cuban support for the national liberation struggle and the defense of Angolan sovereignty during the armed conflict.
During the diplomatic meeting, Angola thanked Cuba for its continued support, especially in the areas of health, education, construction, sports and transportation, and renewed its commitment to supporting Havana in international forums, particularly in opposing the embargo imposed by the United States.
As part of the independence celebrations, President João Lourenço recently awarded Cuban General Leopoldo Cintra Frías ("Polo") the 50th Anniversary of National Independence Medal, in the "Independence" class, in recognition of his role in defending Angola's sovereignty.
General Rafael Moracén Limonta was the first Cuban citizen to be posthumously honored with this distinction, with the "Peace and Development" medal.
Cuba played a central role during the Angolan civil war, sending thousands of soldiers to support the MPLA government in the fight against UNITA and FNLA, movements also supported by foreign powers.
According to the National Network on Cuba, approximately 350,000 military and civilian personnel were sent to Angola between 1975 and 1991 as part of the international operation known as "Operação Carlota."
The Cuban military supported the MPLA government at decisive moments in the civil war, including the battle of Cuito Cuanavale, considered a watershed in the geopolitics of Southern Africa.
