Talatona – Angolan politicians and nationalists on Thursday in Luanda praised the political contribution of the first President of the Republic of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda, in the process of consolidation and integration of Africa, in the defence of the countries of the Front Line and in the struggle against Apartheid.
MPLA Member of the Parliament (MP), Mário Pinto de Andrade, who was speaking to the press at the colloquium alluding to the Centenary of Kenneth Kaunda, described him as one of the great African leaders of the twentieth century, for being at the center of decisions and in the support of national liberation movements.
As for cooperation, he considered the existing bilateral relations between Angola and Zambia to be 'excellent', which will be strengthened with the trade carried out under the Lobito corridor.
'This corridor will be fundamental for the development of Southern African countries such as Angola, DRC and Zambia itself,' he said.
For nationalist Isaías Samakuva, the Zambian leader played an important role in the struggle for national independence and in the process of reconciliation of the different Angolan actors.
For him, the colloquium is a starting point for younger generations to learn about the history and ties that unite Angola and Zambia.
Politician Lucas Ngonda recognized the Zambian statesman as one of the mentors of the etiological, political and social reconstruction of Africa.
In turn, Luzia English highlighted the leader's legacy in the national liberation movement of Southern African countries and in the development of the former Organization of African Unity (OAU), currently known as the African Union (AU).
The Secretary of State for Administration, Finance and Heritage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX), Maria Auxiliadora Ramiro, also recognized the political trajectory of the former statesman in multiple dimensions.
The ties of friendship between the two countries were reaffirmed by Zambia's Foreign Affairs officer, Roster Kapaya, who considered them excellent and solid, based on relationships that have existed over time and which stand out in the areas of education, energy and agriculture.
On the other hand, the diplomat welcomed the fact that the Angolan government recognized the legacy of the former statesman, Kenneth Kaunda, a feeling that was similar to that of Kenneth Kaunda's son, Kaweche Kaunda.
He highlighted him as the father of Zambia, Co-Founder of the movement of Frontline and SADC countries, Pan-Africanist and one of the great promoters of the Non-Aligned Group that took Africa's message to the world, in a framework of rivalries and Cold War.
Kenneth David Kaunda is considered the Father of Independence and First President of the Republic of Zambia.
He hosted the Summit of Southern African States that founded the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC), predecessor to SADC, on 1 April 1980.
Throughout the period of internal conflict in Angola, Zambia was one of the destinations that welcomed many nationalists and had many initiatives to seek peace, counting on the hospitality of the aforementioned State, without derogating from the contribution made during the national liberation struggle.
The colloquium held in honor of the centenary of the former statesman brought together politicians, Kaweche Kaunda's son, the Zambian delegation, students and guests. GIZ/MAG/DOJ
