Luanda - The Chief of Staff of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) Altino Carlos José dos Santos has reaffirmed the Armed Forces's commitment to consolidating democracy and the country's political and social stability.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 32nd Anniversary of the Creation of the Angolan Armed Forces to be marked on October 9, the Chief of Staff stressed that this defense body has a long and glorious history.
This history, the Chief of Staff said, goes back to the times of the national liberation struggle, when it faced Portuguese colonial rule and the military interventions of other foreign powers that wanted to fragment Angola and plunder its wealth.
The general added that since its creation, the FAA has demonstrated high capacity and combat readiness to overcome any challenges in the defense of the nation's interests and is currently the guarantor of national peace and stability.
Carlos dos Santos underlined that the Angolan Armed Forces also act to protect borders, combat terrorism, support needy communities, protect the environment and develop the country's science and technology.
The Chief of Staff stressed that the Angolan Armed Forces also collaborate in the United Nations and African Union peace missions in various countries, such as Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and, in the recent past, Lesotho, bringing humanitarian aid and security to people in need.
The General specified that the Armed Forces is made up of men and women who are dedicated, competent and attached to their homeland, as a reflection of cultural, ethnic and regional diversity, making it a symbol of national unity.
"We must continue to redouble our vigilance and organization, increase the level of internal control, improve the effectiveness and efficiency of military control in carrying out the tasks and missions that have been assigned to us by our superiors," the Chief of Staff said.
The high-ranking officer expressed his respect and admiration for the FAA and all the soldiers who serve or have served Angola with honor and dignity, and took the opportunity to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for freedom and sovereignty.
"I want to affirm my commitment to strengthening our defence capabilities and to supporting the Armed Forces in continuing to strengthen their operational, organizational and technical capacity, to ensure the fulfillment of their noble mission (.....)," concluded the Chief of Staff.ECC/MDS/AMP
