REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA IN JAPAN
INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION AND PRESS SERVICES
Tokyo, November 11, 2025 –
The Embassy of Angola in Japan marked the 50th anniversary of National Independence with a solemn reception at the Okura Hotel in Tokyo, bringing together about 200 guests, including diplomats, Japanese authorities, and members of the Angolan community.
The event room was decorated with the national colours and meticulously prepared to receive the guests, featuring the sound of Angolan music and the presence of typical dishes, which helped reinforce the cultural atmosphere of the celebration.
Under the motto, “Preserve and Value the Achievements Made, Building a Better Future,” the event was attended by the Vice-Minister of State for Health, Labour and Welfare, Niki Hirobuni, and the Director of the African Division of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Imafuku Takao, in addition to members of the diplomatic corps and the Angolan community residing in the country.
The ceremony was presided over by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Angola to Japan, Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, who, on the occasion, gave a historical overview of the stages that led the country to independence, also addressing the struggle for socio-economic development, Angola-Japan relations, and the role of Angola in the concert of nations.
The celebration marked a moment of reflection on the country’s journey and a reaffirmation of commitment to a future of progress and international cooperation.
During the commemorative ceremony for the 50th anniversary of Angola’s Independence, the Japanese choir Kanagawa Sohgoh, composed of young students, performed the national anthems of Angola and Japan, in a gesture of tribute and strengthening of cultural and diplomatic ties between both nations.
Ambassador Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho presided over the reception, acting as the host and welcoming the guests with the cordiality that marked the entire commemorative ceremony.
During the commemorative ceremony for November 11th, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Angola to Japan, Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, addressed those present, highlighting the significance of the date and reaffirming Angola’s commitment to cooperation and mutual development.
The Vice-Minister of State for Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, Niki Hirobuni, who represented the Japanese Government at the ceremony, highlighted the relevance of Angola’s message for Expo Osaka 2025, emphasizing the centrality of education and health in building a prosperous and sustainable future.
The Director of the African Division of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Imafuku Takao, welcomed the strengthening of bilateral relations built over almost five decades and acknowledged the role of President João Lourenço in the leadership of the African Union, underscoring his contribution to promoting innovative solutions in the face of challenges on the African continent.
The diplomatic corps resident in Tokyo participated in the commemorative ceremony for Angola’s 50th Anniversary of Independence, a gesture that demonstrates international recognition and the strengthening of the country’s multilateral relations.
The Angolan community in Japan actively participated in the November 11th celebration, in a moment of tribute to the country’s history and a reaffirmation of its presence and contribution in Japan.
Representatives of various Japanese entities attended the November 11th commemorative ceremony in Tokyo, demonstrating the appreciation and continuous cooperation between Japan and Angola.
The ceremony concluded with a cultural segment that highlighted Angola’s diversity through a parade of traditional costumes and a typical dance performance, reinforcing the value of Angolan cultural heritage.
“Today we celebrate the harmony of a joyful people, of a resilient nation, and of a beautiful land, committed to doing better and better for the construction of a prosperous and solid country.”
Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, Ambassador of Angola to Japan
“Since the beginnings of our independence, through the process of peace and national reconciliation, the Angolan Government launched a vast program of reconstruction and development, which allowed for the construction of essential infrastructure, the rehabilitation of cities, the improvement of social services, and the implementation of economic, administrative, and judicial reforms, promoting transparency, sustainable growth, and reinvestment in strategic projects for the country.”
Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, Ambassador of Angola to Japan
“The relations of friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Angola and Japan were established in September 1976, and throughout these years, Japan has been a strategic partner in the development of our country, supporting programs in demining, agriculture, industry, telecommunications, energy, water, health, training of personnel, and infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of the Josina Machel Hospital and the Port of Namibe. This partnership demonstrates the importance of Japan in Angola’s sustainable development process.”
Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, Ambassador of Angola to Japan
“Within the framework of high-level exchange visits, His Excellency João Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, visited Japan on three occasions, the most recent being at the TICAD-9 Summit in Yokohama, where, in his capacity as Chairperson of the African Union, he co-chaired meetings with the then Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Shigeru Ishiba. During this visit, Angola signed various bilateral agreements in the areas of infrastructure, health, personnel training, water distribution, and fisheries, strengthening the legal and strategic cooperation between our countries. We want to continue to earn Japan’s trust and work in partnership to open up opportunities and investments that consolidate strategic cooperation in various domains.”
Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, Ambassador of Angola to Japan
“This Angola that is reborn today wants to continue counting on the contribution of its best sons and daughters. Despite being far from the country, your love for the homeland and the willingness to give your best must remain alive in your hearts. You are all part of this process, and we want to maximize the knowledge and expertise you have acquired in your different specializations, to create a dynamic, developed, and harmonious country for all. We count on you.”
Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, Ambassador of Angola to Japan
“In August, TICAD 9 was held in Yokohama, where Angola, as Chairperson of the African Union, acted alongside Japan as Co-chair. During the conference, events aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Africa were also held. Japan places great importance on UHC based on the concept of human security and has played a leading role in international efforts.”
Niki Hirobuni, Vice-Minister of State for Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan
“In cooperation with the WHO and the World Bank, we are promoting the ‘UHC Knowledge Hub’ initiative, which serves as a global center to gather specialized knowledge and foster human resources to support Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in developing countries. To build a prosperous and healthy future, we hope to continue working in close collaboration with Angola to further promote UHC. Finally, I express my sincere wishes for the continued development of the friendly and cooperative relationship between Japan and Angola, and for good health and well-being to all present. Thank you very much.”
Niki Hirobuni, Vice-Minister of State for Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan
“The relations between Japan and Angola, established in 1976, will soon celebrate their 50th anniversary, while the Angolan Embassy in Tokyo will celebrate its 25th anniversary on November 24th. During this period, bilateral cooperation has expanded from development assistance areas, such as demining, agriculture, insurance, and human resources training, to large-scale projects involving Japanese companies and the private sector.”
Imafuku Takao, Director of the African Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
“TICAD 9, held in Yokohama in August, was a resounding success, with the participation of African leaders, including Heads of State, and approximately 200 Japanese companies and organizations. I would like to express my gratitude to President João Lourenço, who co-chaired the conference alongside former Prime Minister Ishiba, demonstrating strong leadership as Chairperson of the African Union. During the opening ceremony, President Lourenço emphasized that ‘in our interdependent world, there is no alternative to multilateralism to achieve development goals.’ Under the theme ‘Co-creating Innovative Solutions,’ TICAD 9 promoted discussions on how to unite Japanese technology and expertise with African solutions, resulting in the adoption of the ‘Yokohama Declaration.’ Japan will continue to strengthen its cooperation with Angola, African nations, and the African Union as a reliable partner of Africa.”
Imafuku Takao, Director of the African Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
“In the Angola Pavilion at Expo Osaka-Kansai, under the theme ‘Educating the Community for a Better Future,’ the message of how education promotes a healthy society was conveyed. Based on half a century of cooperation between Angola and Japan, I express my hope that the relations between our two countries will continue to strengthen and develop in the future.”
Imafuku Takao, Director of the African Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan