Luanda - Angola was one of the great victims of transatlantic slavery, a fact that resulted in its profound Afro-descendant cultural influence, especially in the Americas, Foreign Minister Téte António recalled on Friday in New York.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent to ANGOP, the minister said this led Angolans to leave their music and dance, religion and spirituality, language and expression, cuisine, resistance and identity in these places.

Téte António, who was invited by the Ramapo City Council to speak on "Experiences related to the African Diaspora", spoke about Angola's historical role in the African Diaspora, the country's contribution to transatlantic traffic and its culture.

He emphasised that between the 16th and 19th centuries, millions of Africans were captured or bought in what is now Angola and sent to the Americas, particularly Brazil, the Caribbean and the United States of America.

"Many Afro-descendants in these regions have direct roots in Angolan ethnic groups, mainly the Kimbundus, Ovimbundus and Bakongos," said the Minister.

The minister recalled that many Africans who were forced to migrate, especially during the transatlantic trade, showed an enormous capacity for resistance and adaptation, even in inhumane conditions, maintaining traditions, creating support networks and developing new forms of existence, struggle and survival.

Tete Antonio said the Angolan government has made efforts to maintain an active link with Angolans in the diaspora, recognising their role as cultural and political ambassadors outside the country.

"Angola encourages the Diaspora to invest in the country and contribute knowledge, technology and financial resources, ensuring voluntary return programmes and investment opportunities," said the Minister.

He stressed that the country participates in forums and organisations that discuss the importance of the African diaspora in general, such as the African Union, which considers the diaspora the sixth region of Africa.

In the United States, the African-American community of Angolan origin is estimated at 12 million people, some of whom already visit Angola frequently, as is the case with the Tucker family, who have already discovered the origins of their ancestors in the Angolan region of Malanje. VIC/TED/AMP