REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA
Embassy in
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
22 Dorset Street - London W1U 6QY

PRESS STATEMENT

ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT JOSÉ EDUARDO DOS SANTOS
ON RECEIVING NEW YEAR GREETINGS FROM THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS

Luanda, 14 January 2010

Your Excellencies the members of the diplomatic corps,
Illustrious guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

The world was affected by an economic and financial crisis in the last three years that had very serious consequences for all countries.   I hope the signs of recovery seen in the more developed economies in the second half of 2009 will be strengthened and grow in 2010, so that all peoples may face the future with more confidence. 

An important lesson to be drawn from this crisis is the sense of mutual aid and cooperation there was in attacking the roots of the problem, in order to restore people’s confidence in the banking system, in particular, and the financial system in general.  It also made it possible to achieve a significant improvement in international multilateral relations of cooperation.

A new era started, marked by greater awareness that the world is becoming ever more globalised, with all countries more interlinked and interdependent, reducing the room for manoeuvre of those who uphold unilateralism.    It is clear today that no country can progress and develop unilaterally, cutting itself off from the community of nations and the common problems that affect humanity as a whole. 

For this reason, fulfilling commitments made on various global issues should be a priority, not only in order to live up to expectations created, but to give an important signal that cooperation among all and for all is both possible and advantageous.

The recent Copenhagen summit was, unfortunately, if not a lost opportunity at least a postponed one, to make further progress in facing up to the causes of climate change and reaching a consensus on how to reconcile the need for development with the preservation of our planet for future generations.

Indeed, the results of that big meeting fell far short of the expectations created and still failed to respond to the concerns expressed by developing countries, the countries that pollute the climate least but whose economies suffer the worst effects of the global phenomenon.

The issue of the environment should therefore remain a priority on national and international agendas, because it is most relevant to international equilibrium and security.

All these situations simply show, once again, the importance of dialogue and concerting views as the most appropriate means of solving disputes of whatever nature.   Angola continues to believe this and, therefore, although there has been clear progress in some cases, we have been following with concern the conflicts in many parts of the world to which there is still no solution. 

In the particular case of the continent where we are, we note the progress made in solving some problems, but we see a continued impasse in the conflicts in southern Sudan, Darfur, Somalia, the Western Sahara and, more recently, Guinea Conakry. 

It is our hope that, for the African continent, 2010 will bring not only the resumption of economic growth rates, but a new stage in the settlement of existing conflicts.

Our experience has shown that only peace and the democratic rule of law can guarantee the stability indispensable to the sustainable development of African countries.

We also hope that the parties in dispute in the Middle East do not radicalise their positions irreversibly and manage to find a platform enabling the peoples of Israel and Palestine to establish a peaceful and cooperative modus vivendi, respecting the self-determination of both peoples, and build their sovereign states.

We also regard dialogue and negotiations as the indispensable means of overcoming the differences with Iran and North Korea on the nuclear issue and of synchronising positions on the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking, the major endemic diseases and other global causes.

Within the regional groupings to which our country belongs, we shall continue to contribute actively to the Southern African Development Community, the Economic Community of Central African States and the Gulf of Guinea Commission, since they are very valuable instruments not only for strengthening the economies of member countries, but for making them all better integrated in the continental and world economy.

Mutually advantageous cooperation and promoting peace and friendship will continue to be the main precepts of Angolan foreign policy, based on the principles of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

I was very pleased to receive the greetings of the ambassadors accredited in Angola and their esteemed spouses.

I hope you will convey to your governments Angola’s wish to strengthen existing relations, so that together we may build a better future for our peoples and future generations.

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!