As a part of the 40th anniversary celebrations for the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Angola, the Kaposoka Symphony Orchestra and the Soma Children’s Orchestra and Chorus held a concert at the Daiichi Seimei Hall in Tokyo on May 21st, 2016 attended by about 600 guests. The concert was the last of a series of 5 concerts that were held in various cities across Japan.
The Kaposoka Symphony Orchestra arrived in Japan on May 6th for a two weeks tour that took them to Hamamatsu, Matsumoto, Soma, Sendai, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Tokyo. In Matsumoto, the orchestra members attended a two-day intensive seminar at the headquarters of the Talent Education Research Institute. The workshop was led by masters of the Suzuki Method including Mrs. Hiroko Suzuki, president of the institution and niece of the founder of the Suzuki Method (Dr. Shinichi Suzuki).
The Angolan Kaposoka Symphony Orchestra is comprised of 620 youth, aged 6 to 21, with 50 currently performing within and outside of Angola. The Kaposoka Symphony Orchestra’s Japan tour is the first one is Asia.
Source: Embassy of Angola in Japan
Meeting of the Technical Group for Investment Promotion and Protection / Photo: Rosário dos Santos
Promotion and protection investment mechanisms and double taxation avoidance were discussed on Tuesday at a meeting of the Working Group for the Negotiation of Agreements on Reciprocal Protection of Investments and Double Taxation.
Created by a Presidential Decree, the group is chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The group’s members include the Ministers of Finance, Economy, Planning, Fisheries, Hotels and Tourism, Commerce, Industry, the Governor of the National Bank of Angola as well as representatives of institutions related to foreign trade.
The Secretary of State for Cooperation, Ângela Bragança, pointed out as priority agreements on promotion and protection of investments with the United Arab Emirates, China and Japan, as well as updating previously signed protocols.
Fifteen hectares of land are being used for testing the cultivation of different varieties of rice in the provinces of Huambo and Bié as part of trial project which started in 2013.
Speaking to press, Adão Gonçalves Pinheiro an expert at the Angolan Agricultural Research Institute, said that the government rice cultivation initiative is receiving technical support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
According to Pinheiro, one hundred farmers organized in cooperatives and associations are involved in the trial rice cultivation in the two provinces. He added that new cultivation techniques that yield better crops, as well as rice varieties that best suit to the weather, water and soil of the provinces of Huambo and Bié are being applied.
The expert in rice cultivation said that the tests have enabled the selection of 13 varieties of rice among the 21 initially chosen. Among the selected varieties, four are domestic and the remaining are from abroad, mostly from Japan.
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Angolans celebrate today, Monday, April 4, 14 years since peace and national reconciliation was achieved. On this day in 2002, the Angolan people witnessed with enthusiasm, in Luanda, the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding Addendum to the Lusaka Protocol (Zambia).
The document, signed by the former head of the General Staff of the Angolan Armed Forces, General Armando da Cruz Neto, and the then head of the Military High Command of UNITA forces, Geraldo Abreu Muendo “Kamorteiro” changed the course of history of the Republic of Angola.
The event, which marked the end of a long period of war, which resulted in thousands of internally displaced and maimed persons as well as orphans, was attended by the Angolan Head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos, representatives of the international community and various national entities.
April 4, 2002 has become one of the greatest achievements of the Angolan people, after the national independence (November 11, 1975) as it marked a turning point in the political process and development of Angola. The date was established as a national holiday and recognized as an important historical event in the struggle of the Angolan people.
Today, the country is experiencing a just and lasting peaceful environment, peace which was achieved not by the imposition of external forces, but as a result of the efforts made by Angolans, who understood that there was a need for the cessation of hostilities and to engage in the process of completing the remaining tasks the Lusaka Protocol, with a view to reconciliation and reconstruction of the country.
For the first time, a protocol aimed at bringing peace was signed in the country without any external mediation, corresponding to the most legitimate interests of Angolans.
Hence, the general belief that this is a long lasting peace because it is consolidated in the day-to-day lives of Angolans, through practical steps and actions that require the contribution of all for it to become irreversible.
This reflects the will of Angolans in the sense that all the issues of the past are removed, in order to build a united, caring and mature country, guided by values such as national unity, democracy, freedom, social justice and respect for all.
“He who truly loves peace must learn to forgive, reconcile with their neighbors, and contribute to a real and solid unity among Angolans, without prejudice to the differences that each and every one of us may express,” said the President, José Eduardo dos Santos.
Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Angola and the Prime Minister of Japan
The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Angola, H. E. Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, visited Japan from 21 to 25 March at the invitation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, Hon. Tadamori Oshima.
During his stay in Japan, the Speaker of the National Assembly paid a courtesy call to His Majesty Emperor Akihito as well as to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with whom reviewed the state of the bilateral relations, cooperation in the UN Security Council where the two countries are non-permanent members and the participation of Angola at the TICAD VI. The Speaker of the National Assembly took the opportunity to express the solidarity of the Angolan people with all the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that hit the east coast of Japan in March 2011.
The Speaker of the National Assembly met separately with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tadamori Oshima and with the President of the House of Councillors, Hon. Masaaki Yamazaki. The parties discussed ways to strengthen the cooperation between the parliaments of both countries as well as visits by members of the parliament to exchange experiences.
The agenda of the Speaker of the National Assembly also included meetings with the African diplomatic corps in Japan, the Japan-African Union Parliamentary Friendship League, the Japan-Angola Parliamentary Friendship Committee as well as with senior executives of Japanese companies and financial institutions.
After wrapping up the official agenda in Tokyo, the Speaker of the National Assembly went to Hiroshima where he held talks with Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki and Mayor Kazumi Matsui. In Hiroshima, the Speaker of the National Assembly paid a visit to the Itsukushima Shrine, toured the Peace Memorial Museum, visited the Peace Memorial Park and laid a wreath in honor of the victims of the atomic bomb. [:pt]
Presidente da Assembleia Nacional da República de Angola com o Primeiro Ministro do Japão
O Presidente da Assembleia Nacional da República de Angola, S. E. Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, visitou o Japão de 21 a 25 Março, a convite do Presidente da Câmara dos Representantes do Japão, S. E. Tadamori Oshima.
Durante a sua estadia no Japão, o Presidente da Assembleia Nacional efectuou uma visita de cortesia a sua Majestade o Imperador Akihito e foi recebido em audiência pelo Primeiro Ministro Shinzo Abe com quem passou em revista o estado das relações bilaterais, cooperação no Conselho de Segurança da ONU onde os dois países são membros não-permanentes e a participação de Angola na TICAD VI. O Presidente da Assembleia Nacional aproveitou a ocasião para expressar a solidariedade do povo angolano para com as vítimas do terramoto e do tsunami que devastaram a região consteira do leste do Japão em Março de 2011.
O Presidente da Assembleia Nacional reuniu-se em separado com o Presidente da Câmara dos Representantes, S. E. Tadamori Oshima e com o Presidente da Câmara dos Conselheiros, S. E. Masaaki Yamazaki. Nas reuniões foi discutido o reforço da cooperação entre os parlamentos dos dois países e visitas de deputados para a troca de experiências.
Constou igualmente da agenda da visita do Presidente da Assembleia Nacional encontros com o corpo diplomático africano acreditado no Japão, com a Liga Parlamentar de Amizade Japão – União Africana, com o Comité Parlamentar de Amizade Japão-Angola e com altos representantes de empresas e instituições financeiras japonesas.
Após cumprir a sua agenda em Tóquio, o Presidente da Assembleia Nacional deslocou-se a Hiroshima onde foi recebido em audiência pelo Governador Hidehiko Yuzaki e pelo Administrador Municipal Kazumi Matsui. Em Hiroshima, o Presidente da Assembleia Nacional efectuou uma visita ao Santuário de Itsukushima, percorreu o Museu Memorial da Paz, visitou o Parque Memorial da Paz e depositou uma coroa de flores em homenagem às vítimas da bomba atómica. [:]
Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Angola and the Prime Minister of Japan
The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Angola, H. E. Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, visited Japan from 21 to 25 March at the invitation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan, Hon. Tadamori Oshima.
During his stay in Japan, the Speaker of the National Assembly paid a courtesy call to His Majesty Emperor Akihito as well as to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with whom reviewed the state of the bilateral relations, cooperation in the UN Security Council where the two countries are non-permanent members and the participation of Angola at the TICAD VI. The Speaker of the National Assembly took the opportunity to express the solidarity of the Angolan people with all the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that hit the east coast of Japan in March 2011.
The Speaker of the National Assembly met separately with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tadamori Oshima and with the President of the House of Councillors, Hon. Masaaki Yamazaki. The parties discussed ways to strengthen the cooperation between the parliaments of both countries as well as visits by members of the parliament to exchange experiences.
The agenda of the Speaker of the National Assembly also included meetings with the African diplomatic corps in Japan, the Japan-African Union Parliamentary Friendship League, the Japan-Angola Parliamentary Friendship Committee as well as with senior executives of Japanese companies and financial institutions.
After wrapping up the official agenda in Tokyo, the Speaker of the National Assembly went to Hiroshima where he held talks with Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki and Mayor Kazumi Matsui. In Hiroshima, the Speaker of the National Assembly paid a visit to the Itsukushima Shrine, toured the Peace Memorial Museum, visited the Peace Memorial Park and laid a wreath in honor of the victims of the atomic bomb.
Speaker of the National Assembly with His Majesty the Emperor
Speaker of the National Assembly with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
Meeting between the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Speaker of the House of Representatives
Angolan Parliamentary Delegation at the Official Residence of the Speaker of the House of Representatives
Meeting between the Speaker of the National Assembly and the President of the House of Councillors
President of the National Assembly with Members of the Japan-African Union Parliamentary Friendship League
Speaker of the National Assembly with Members of the Japan-Angola Parliamentary Friendship Committee
Speaker of the National Assembly at the Itsukushima Shrine
Speaker of the National Assembly at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Speaker of the National Assembly laid a wreath in honour of the victims of the atomic bomb
Photo: Pedro Parente
Angola and Japan discussed on Tuesday matters related to the strengthening of cooperation in various fields during an audience that the Speaker of the Parliament, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, granted to Ken Shimanouchi, special envoy of the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Speaking to the press, Ken Shimanouchi said that during meeting it was discussed matters related to the visit to Japan by the Speaker of the Angolan Parliament late this month.
Ken Shimanouchi added that this is a meaningful visit, as it will happen in the year that marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Angola and Japan.
Ken Shimanouchi stressed that the visit to Japan by the Speaker of the Angolan Parliament will boost the existing relations between the two countries. Diplomatic ties between the two countries date back to 1976, while the exchange of high level visits did not start until late 1980s.
In 2001 the Angolan Head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos, made an official visit to Japan.
Angolan President, José Eduardo Dos Santos / Photo: Francisco Miudo
President of the Republic, José Eduardo dos Santos, appointed on Friday the new ministers of Hotels and Tourism, Health, Urbanization and Housing, Commerce and Culture. The President also appointed a new governor of the Central Bank of Angola. Valter Filipe da Silva is the new Central Bank Governor, replacing José Pedro de Morais who resigned from the post.
Paulino Domingos Baptista was appointed as Minister of Hotels and Tourism, Luis Gomes Sambo as Minister of Health, Branca Manuel da Costa Neto do Espirito Santo as Minister Urbanization and Housing, Fiel Domingos Constantino as Minister of Commerce and Carolina Cerqueira as Minister of Culture.
The President also appointed José Maria Ferraz dos Santos as Governor of Kwanza Norte Province. As for Luanda Province, the President appointed José Manuel Cerqueira as Vice Governor for Economic Matters, Rui Celso Dias Fernandes da Silva as Vice Governor for Community Services and Joaquim Malichi Dumba as Vice Governor for Technical Services and Infrastructures, respectively,
Source: Jornal de Angola
Photo: Pedro Parente
The Governments of Angola and Japan signed on January 15, in Luanda, an agreement of “exchange of notes”, valued at 20 million US dollars, for the start of the second phase of the rehabilitation and modernization of the Namibe Port. The agreement was signed by the Secretary of State for Cooperation, Angela Bragança, and the Japanese Ambassador to Angola, Kuniaki Ito.
Speaking to the press, the State Secretary Angela Bragança said that the signed agreement opens a new page in the economic cooperation between the two countries, at a time when Angola is engaged in diversifying its economy. Ambassador Kuniaki Ito, stressed that the agreement of “exchange of notes” will boost the maritime trade of the Port of Namibe with neighboring countries.
According to the Administrator of Namibe Port, who was speaking to the press at the signing of the “exchange of notes”, the second phase of rehabilitation and modernization of the Namibe Port will enable the rehabilitation of more than 40 meters of wharf. The first phase of the Japanese government funding, also valued at 20 million US dollars, has enabled the berthing of larger ships.
Director for Africa and the Middle East at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Joaquim do Espírito Santo / Photo: Pedro Parente
Angola is expected to hold the presidency of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) for another two years, as Kenya withdrew its candidacy to take over the rotating presidency from January this year. This was announced by the Director for Africa and the Middle East at the Angolan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Joaquim do Espírito Santo.
According to Joaquim do Espírito Santo, the renewal of Angola’s presidency is a recognition of the way it has been leading the regional organization, which has as its members Angola, Burundi, Congo, Kenya, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
Last week the Angolan Foreign minister, Georges Chikoti, announced that Luanda will host in February the summit of the ICGLR Heads of State and Government, where the mandate of Angola as well as its continuation at the head of the organization will be discussed.
Georges Chikoti added that the summit will also address issues related to conflicts in the region, namely in South Sudan, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and elect ICGLR’s new executive secretary and his deputy.
