Luanda - Angolan Head of State João Lourenço on Monday urged the recently sworn in ambassadors to implement policies that will help attract private investment and promote national tourism.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of 13 ambassadors, most of whom are part of the president’s rotation process, João Lourenço expressed his confidence in them and advised them to defend Angola's good name abroad.
The president urged the diplomats to contribute to the strengthening of relations of friendship and cooperation with the governments of the countries where they have been appointed.
"I wish you every success in the performance of the duties you will carry out as of today," the Angolan statesman said in a brief statement.
In the Noble Hall of the Presidential Palace in Luanda, José Gonçalves Martins Patrício was sworn in as ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ana Maria de Oliveira (United Nations offices and other international organizations in Geneva), Carlos Cruz de Lemos Sardinha (Cuba), Edgar Augusto Brandão Gaspar Martins (Belgium and the European Union) and Fernando Miguel (Vietnam).
The list includes João Salvador dos Santos Neto (Turkey), Joaquim do Espírito Santo (Gabon), Mankento Sebastião Lopes (Egypt), Maria Cândida Pereira Teixeira (UNESCO), Mário de Azevedo Constantino (Kenya and UN offices in Nairobi), Nelson Manuel Cosme (Israel), Dalva Maurícia Calombo Ringote Allen (China) and Syanga Kivuila Samuel Abílio (South Korea).
The mission of an Angolan ambassador abroad is to represent and defend political, economic, cultural and social interests, which includes strengthening and developing partnerships between Angola and the host nation in these areas, as well as protecting and guaranteeing the rights and interests of Angolan citizens living abroad and supporting the country’s companies and investors.
The ambassador's other duties include promoting Angolan culture, history and values, creating a positive image of the country abroad, and encouraging and attracting foreign investment and trade between the two countries. AFL/VIC/AMP
