Luanda - The UN secretary-general, António Guterres, on Friday highlighted the qualities of statesman of the former Angolan president, José Eduardo dos Santos.
The former Angolan president died Friday in Spain at the age of 79, of an illness.
In a statement of condolence, Guterres recalled José Eduardo dos Santos as a member of the People Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) that took part in the struggle that led to the country's independence, and as President of Angola he led the country through the signing of the peace agreement that ended the civil war in 2002.
According to António Guterres, during his mandate, Angola became an important regional and international partner and advocate of multilateralism.
Meanwhile, the members of the Security Council observed on Friday morning a minute of silence in honour for the passing away of the former Angolan President, José Eduardo dos Santos, at the request of Brazil, the country that chairs the Security Council in July.
José Eduardo dos Santos came to power in September 1979, following the death of Angola's first President, António Agostinho Neto.
He held the office of President of the Republic for 38 years, until September 2017, when he was succeeded by the current Head of State, João Lourenço.
Besides being President of the Republic, he was Commander-in-Chief of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) and President of the MPLA, the party that has ruled the country since the proclamation of national independence on 11 November 1975.
His political record also includes the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs and other posts in the State and in MPLA.
He led the process that culminated with the signing of the Peace Accords, on the 4th April 2002, following the death of the then UNITA founding leader, Jonas Savimbi.
