Luanda - Angolan and Cuban citizens joined the members of the diplomatic corps accredited in the Cuba to pay tribute, started this week, for the centenary of the birth of the founding father and first president of Angola, António Agostinho Neto.
The beginning of the activities was marked by the laying of a wreath, by the Angolan ambassador to Cuba, Maria Cândida Teixeira, at the monument of the Angolan leader in the Heroes' Park in Havana.
Addressing the event, the Angolan diplomat recalled that Angolans should celebrate the 100th anniversary of the father of the Angolan nation, with all dignity he deserves.
The diplomat described Agostinho Neto as an unavoidable figure, calling every Angolan to take part, regardless of the region, race, ethnic origin, religious or political option.
He also opened a photographic and literary exhibition at the Casa da Cultura de Angola (Angola’s culture house) that portrays the life and work of the Angolan leader who proclaimed Angola’s independence in 1975.
The political and cultural legacy of Agostinho Neto was discussed during a conference called “Angolans holding hands for a future”.
The panel included speakers like the director of the Fidel Castro centre, René González Barrios; the vice president of the Cuba-Africa association, Noemí Benítez; the first Cuban ambassador to Angola, Oscar Oramas Oliva, and the historian and former Angolan minister of culture, Rosa Cruz e Silva.
The tributes to Agostinho Neto continue throughout the month of September with various political and cultural activities throughout Cuba.
Neto was born on September 17, 1922, in Kaxicane, Icolo and Bengo.
Renowned physician and writer, he proclaimed Angola's independence on November 11, 1975 and died on September 10, 1979.
