Luanda - The President of the Republic, João Lourenço, paid tribute this Saturday to the nationalist and diplomat Hermínio Escórcio, who died on September 29, due to illness, in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa, aged 87.
The tribute took place at the residence of the deceased, in the Alvalade neighbourhood, in Luanda.
The Head of State, accompanied by the First Lady, Ana Dias Lourenço, left words of comfort for the bereaved family and signed the book of condolences, considering Hermínio Escórcio a personality of great political stature, a diplomat with great vision and an excellent sports leader.
According to the President of the Republic, Hermínio Escórcio always knew how to assume firm leadership positions in the complex national processes in which he was directly involved.
"I have the painful duty to present, on behalf of the Angolan Executive and myself, our deepest condolences for the death of the excellent ambassador Hermínio Escórcio, which occurred in the early hours of September 29, 2023. The nation has just lost one of its great sons who always placed the interests of his country above all others", wrote President João Lourenço.
Several personalities linked to the Executive, family, friends, law enforcement officers and security forces, sportspeople, MPLA party members, among others, also went to the residence of the deceased, where a religious ceremony also took place.
Hermínio Escórcio was a career diplomat, a senior member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he served as director of Protocol and State Heritage.
He represented the country in Angola's diplomatic missions in Germany, Egypt, Algeria and Argentina.
A prominent figure of Angolan nationalism, Hermínio Escórcio was also director of the National Fuel Society (Sonangol).
The deceased will be buried this Sunday at the Alto das Cruzes Cemetery, in Luanda. Before that, the wake will be held at the headquarters of the Atlético Petróleos de Luanda club, in accordance with the Funeral program to which ANGOP had access.
DC/VIC/CF/jmc
