The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, stated today in Luanda that Portugal is “a paradigm example” of overcoming historical challenges, highlighting the relationship with Angola as proof of this achievement.
The Portuguese diplomat, accompanying President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on the visit to Angola to participate in the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence, emphasized that “the relationship with Angola is unique” even within the Lusophone community because “it has a magic, a place in our imagination that none of the others have.”
He also mentioned that Portugal has managed to “overcome a phase that could have been highly traumatic” in its relations with Lusophone countries.
“If we look at countries that, in their centuries and times, had colonial dominions and look at the relations of these countries – former colonizers and ex-colonies – Portugal is a paradigm example of how it is possible to overcome the difficult knots of history,” he asserted.
He took the opportunity to praise Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, whom he considered exemplary in genuinely rekindling “these relations between equals.”
“Today we are celebrating Angola’s independence, but the ability to have a very positive echo of what Portugal is also due to our head of state,” said the minister.
Rangel acknowledged, however, that this chemistry “is sometimes a source of tensions and irritations, when the proximity is great,” noting that the commercial balance and economic and cultural exchange have been fruitful but have the potential to grow.
“There is still much to be done. For this reason, we will do everything to bring this relationship closer,” added the minister, speaking to journalists at the ambassador’s residence in the Angolan capital, emphasizing that “the connection between the two countries is endless.”
In the evening meeting with the Portuguese community in Angola, Paulo Rangel thanked Ambassador Francisco Alegre Duarte, soon to conclude his mission in Luanda, “for the professionalism, competence, dedication, and love he brought to this mission,” considering that he contributed highly positively to realizing the potential of Luso-Angolan relations.
The minister also recalled the “attention and commitment” of former Portuguese heads of state towards Angola, stating that “Portuguese heads of state have always, without a doubt, had Angola in mind.”
He cited particularly Cavaco Silva as a paradigm example for his role in the Bicesse Accords and also praised the current President of the Republic, mentioning that Marcelo makes a difference in foreign visits by the way he relates to people and the warmth with which he surprises host countries, bringing “the value they have” to the communities.
