Diplomat Stresses Need to Consolidate Peace, Security in Africa

24 May 2011

Luanda — The director for Africa and the Middle East of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Joaquim do Espirito Santo, Tuesday in Luanda highlighted the need to consolidate peace and security in order to ensure economic development and achieve millennium goals in Africa.

The diplomat was speaking on the theme “Prospects for the consolidation of African independences and sovereignties”, as part of celebrations of 25 May, Africa’s Day.

According to Joaquim do Espirito Santo, violent conflicts have triggered more forced displacement in Africa than in other parts of the world.

These conflicts have caused immense human suffering, which hinder development.

According to the speaker, the Angolan diplomacy continues to create conditions to address major international challenges that accompany the complex process of transformation of world politics and globalization.

It also strives to deepen the political, diplomatic, economic, scientific and technical cooperation with international partners in general.

He added that Angola continues to respect and apply the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the Letter of the African Union, as well as developing friendly relations and cooperation with all states, based on principles of respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

“We also continue to contribute through our political and diplomatic ways, to the preservation of international peace and security and to facilitate the search for solutions to any political, military and electoral crisis plaguing our continent,” emphasized the diplomat.

In his speech, he spoke of the holding of Kwanza2010 military exercise, which took place in Cabo Ledo, Angola, and served for the certification of the Stand by brigade of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), under the African Peace and Security Architecture.

On May 25, 1963, 32 African heads of State with opposed ideas to subordination to which the continent was subjected for centuries (colonialism, neo-colonialism and “scramble for Africa”) created the OAU (Organization of African Unity) which later changed its name to African Union (AU).

For its importance, May 25 was established by the United Nations (UN) in 1972 as Africa Liberation Day.

The event was attended by generals, admirals, colonels and sea captains, among other guests.

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