Cuba and Angola united in solidarity
Havana, Cuba. – For his supportive and determined support to the sovereignty of Angola, and as a sign of deep gratitude, the president of that friendly nation, Joao Manuel Gonzalvez Lourenzo, granted the Order Agostinho Neto to the First Secretary of the Party, Army General Raúl Castro, and to the Cuban president Miguel Díaz Canel.
In a solemn ceremony at the Palace of the Revolution, Army Generals Leopoldo Cintra Frías and Ramón Espinosa, Minister and Vice-Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, respectively, deserved the same distinction, as did Brigadier General Raúl Díaz Argüelles, post mortem.
For his contribution to the strengthening of brotherhood and cooperation between the two peoples, the Angolan leader received the José Martí Order, the highest decoration of our homeland.
It was Raúl who awarded the medal to Joao Lourenzo, in the presence of leaders from both nations. The relationship between Africa and Cuba is as deep as it is indestructible, underlined President Miguel Díaz Canel in the solemn honoring ceremony held this Monday in Havana’s Palacio de la Revolución.
He stressed that Angola and our country share a history, those of two brother peoples who never submitted, defended their identity and culture, confronted colonialism, mixed and fed each other, and work for their development, without losing the confidence that they will achieve their dreams and aspirations.
Other common challenges include defending the right to development, welfare and social justice, safeguarding international peace and security, Díaz Canel said.
He highlighted the meritorious trajectory of President Joao Lourenzo in defense of Angola, and thanked on behalf of the Cuban people, Raúl and the rest of those recognized as deserving of the Order Agostinho Neto.
Indestructible Alliance
After receiving the José Martí Order, Cuba’s highest distinction, the president of Angola expressed his emotion for such a high honor, and he signified that it is a sign of the deep relationship of friendship and bilateral cooperation.
Our two peoples united in indestructible alliance and defeated the powerful forces that were trying to prevent, through aggression and war, the independence of Angola and the liberation of Namibia and South Africa from the clutches of apartheid, he said.
Before concluding his words in the Palace of the Revolution, Joao Lourenzo reiterated his deepest gratitude for the José Martí Order, which, he said, is a medal of the Cuban people.
Prior to the award ceremony, the presidents of Cuba and Angola witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding in sectors such as health, education, industry and water resources, among others.
(Taken from Radio Reloj)
Written by Radio Grito de Baire
