The intention was expressed by the senior manager of the National Geographic Okavango project, Mike Beckner, during a meeting with the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of Angola to the United States of America (USA), Agostinho Van-Dúnem, which took place this Wednesday, in Washington D.C.
According to Mike Beckner, quoted in a note from the embassy, which VerAngola had access to, National Geographic also intends to identify and support students doing masters and doctorates in Angolan higher education establishments.
"Mike Beckner expressed National Geographic's availability to work with the embassy in promoting the projects developed by them and in the integration of Angolan staff in internship programs, as well as identifying and supporting students who pursue their masters and doctorates in Angolan universities, providing financial assistance and opportunities to carry out work in partnerships with academic institutions", reads the note.
Ambassador Agostinho Van-Dúnem, at the audience, "tried to find out how the embassy can cooperate with National Geographic, both in the US and in Angola, within the scope of a protocol signed in December 2018 with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, as well as as in the promotion and inclusion of Angolan cadres in the diaspora".
In addition, the diplomat also reaffirmed his "willingness to do everything to support the project", aiming to "contribute to the promotion of tourism and other social areas".
"The President of the Republic of Angola, João Loureço, defined tourism as a strategic sector for the country and in accordance with plans already defined by the Government, to diversify the economy, create jobs and eradicate poverty", reads the note.
For this reason, adds the statement, the ambassador stressed that "the diaspora must always know what is said and what is done in Angola", especially in the field of tourism "and make Angola one of the main African tourist destinations, by 2025, attracting investors and making tourism a strategic sector for the diversification of the economy".
