Angola

The 35th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Angola
Excellency Mr. Takeaki Matsumoto,
State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Member of the House of Representatives,
Honourable Members of the Diet,
Excellencies Members of the Japanese Government,
Excellencies members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my honour and privilege to address you on the occasion of Angola’s National Day Celebrations. I am, indeed, extremely delighted by the fact that you have shown up in such big number to join us for this remarkable occasion. I consider your presence as a sign of friendship and solidarity with the Angolan People, a gesture that I deeply appreciate.

The Independence of Angola is the result of the efforts of all the sons and daughters of Angola with the full support of many friends across the world that bravely fought against then colonial masters to bring an end to the suffering imposed to the entire People of Angola for almost five centuries. For this reason, at the time that we celebrate such important achievement, we are also paying a fair and well-deserved tribute to all those who, selflessly and without sparing any effort, gave the best of themselves, many of them even sacrificing anonymously their own lives to liberate Angola from the colonial rule, paving the way for the current and future generations.

Soon after the National Independence, for more than two decades, the Angolan People experienced a very difficult and challenging time caused by a civil war motivated and supported by foreign interests. Today, I am happy to note that eight years ago the peace has been restored throughout the country.

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ever since the reestablishment of a lasting peace throughout the country in 2002, and overtaking many constraints resulting from the post war period as well as from the international financial crisis, today we proudly feel that our efforts were worthwhile as the world acknowledges that the Angolan economy is amongst the fastest growing economies in the world with predicted growth rate of 4,5 per cent in 2011, and a concrete perspective momentum of 8 per cent growth.

It should, however, be stressed that the current economic growth rate is not merely a result of the growth of the oil industry, although Angola is, of course, still a country dependent on that commodity. The high rates of economic growth are the visible result of the public investments the Government has been making since the achievement of peace and the reestablishment of political stability in the country.

The vision and leadership of President José Eduardo dos Santos, as well as the total commitment of all Angolans in their collective endeavour towards the development of the country has equally contributed to the successful achievements registered in the Angolan economy.










Looking back to all the achievements since the attainment of the national independence, one can easily conclude that many goals have been accomplished; we have preserved the sovereignty of the country; we have successfully maintained the unity and national cohesion, the consolidation of multiparty democracy and the normal functioning of the State Institutions; currently we are working towards the reconstruction of the infrastructures massively destroyed by the civil war which prevailed in the country for almost three decades;

Judging by the most recent macroeconomic achievements, Angola is regarded to belong to the group of the major emerging markets in Africa. That is enough reason to say that all our efforts have proven to be worthy and fruitful.

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Angola and Japan have been and still enjoying fruitful cooperation for the last three decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations in September 1976. On the global scene, the two Governments share many common values and aspirations regarding the peace, security, human rights, democracy, the rule of the law, climate change, and so on, which constitutes the platform for the two countries to enjoy excellent and mutual support on many initiatives at various multilateral forums.

It is gratifying to note that each passing year the bilateral cooperation between Angola and Japan is evolving continuously for the benefit of both governments and peoples on a win-win basis. During the current year alone, without counting the many Japanese businessmen who visited Angola in pursuit of business opportunities, two high level joint public-private trade and investment delegations visited Angola in July and August with the aim to get acquainted with the current Angolan business environment as well as to enhance the Japanese private sector’s participation in Angola’s development efforts.

I take this occasion to invite the Japanese Government as well as the private sector to invest in Angola, taking the advantage of the opportunities offered by the Angolan economy. Such investment can be made through financing many projects or providing technical assistance in the complex endeavour of rebuilding the country’s infrastructure and poverty reduction.

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

On this auspicious occasion I take the opportunity to extend, on behalf of His Excellency Mr. José Eduardo dos Santos, President of the Republic of Angola, the People and the Government of Angola, our best wishes for peace, good health and prosperity to Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, to the distinguished members of the Imperial Family, as well as to the government and the friendly people of Japan as a whole, and to thank them, as always, for their cooperation, friendship and solidarity with the people of Angola.
Angola welcomes the Japanese continuous commitment for the consolidation of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). We strongly believe that the TICAD framework is the most appropriate way to motivate and implement the much needed people-to-people exchanges and contacts between the peoples of Africa and Japan.
I take the opportunity to commend the effort of the many Japanese companies which are already operating in Angola. Their cooperation, friendship and understanding is deeply appreciated.

To all the members of the Angola-Japan Friendship Association and all the friends of Angola who have been working tirelessly in spreading the awareness on the Angolan reality in the Japanese society we express our gratitude.

To all my countrymen living in Japan, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on this occasion and best wishes for a continued good health and success in the coming year.

I thank you for your attention.