Duarte Pacheco, whose three-year term ends now, will be replaced by one of the four African women running for the position, declaring himself "excited" because "for the first time" in 130 years, a woman from Africa will be presiding over the IPU.
The official highlighted "the great desire to come to Angola", as it had been more than 60 years since this meeting of parliamentarians had been held in a Portuguese-speaking country.
"I was shocked when I realized that the last time the IU organized an assembly in a Portuguese-speaking country was in Brazil in 1962, I hadn't been born yet", he highlighted, adding that it was necessary to "put an end to this inequity" and "against winds and storms" hold the assembly in the country of José Eduardo Agualusa, Pepetela, Ondjaki, Anselmo Ralph, Yuri da Cunha and Raul Indipwo.
"Today I have to tell you, I feel like one of you, I feel Angolan and it is natural that here in Angola is the right place to talk about peace", said Duarte Pacheco, highlighting that Luanda will be the capital for a week world of parliaments, with more than 1500 participants from more than 130 countries.
"Angolans know how fundamental peace is to ensuring the economic and social development that we all desire for our countries", continued the deputy, remembering that Angolans have felt firsthand what it is like to live in war, delaying investment and progress in education or health.
"But with peace everything is possible, with peace it is possible to have hope again and believe that the future has opportunities", emphasized the head of the UIP, adding that "it is good to be in Luanda talking about peace" when the news of the war They occupy all the news and worry all citizens.
Duarte Pacheco spoke in English about the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, urging the IPU to also participate in the search for solutions, but also pointed out civil wars, terrorism and coups d'état in Africa "which make the same people suffer as always, the poorer and more vulnerable" and warned of the risks of the growth of populist, racist and xenophobic movements and the use of new technologies "in a way contrary to the democratic ideal".
