In a message sent to his Cape Verdean counterpart, José Maria Neves, João Lourenço highlighted the symbolism of the event and the historical and cultural ties that unite the two countries, expressing his desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
"In this celebration of the Golden Jubilee of our nations, I praise the spirit of unity that guided our common action in the past and that remains relevant in the present, and pertinent in the prosperous and auspicious future that our respective countries are committed to building", wrote the head of state in the message released by his press services.
João Lourenço stressed that the ties between Angola and Cape Verde continue to be "important and decisive factors" in strengthening relations of friendship and cooperation, and sent his best wishes to the Cape Verdean people "united around their leadership" in building a country with good governance practices.
The celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Cape Verde's independence will take place this Friday and Saturday, marking half a century since the proclamation of independence on 5 July 1975, of this former Portuguese colony.
The programme includes a solemn session at the National Assembly, the laying of wreaths at the Amílcar Cabral memorial, a military and civil parade, concerts, exhibitions and cultural and gastronomic activities on all the islands of the archipelago.
Confirmed foreign guests include the Presidents of Portugal, Guinea-Bissau and Senegal, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg and the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.
