Gaborone: Angola's ambassador to Botswana, Beatriz Morais, on Wednesday praised the first president of Angola, Ant³nio Agostinho Neto, for his dedication to the Angolan people. Neto led the armed struggle for national liberation and proclaimed independence on November 11, 1975.

According to Angola Press News Agency, the ambassador made the remarks during the National Hero's Day celebration at the embassy in Gaborone. Diplomats, Ministry of Defense officials, Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat representatives, and members of the Angolan community in Botswana attended the ceremony.

Morais highlighted Agostinho Neto's solidarity and unconditional support for the liberation struggles in southern Africa. This support was evident in his famous speeches, such as when he stated, "Angola is and will be, by its own will, a firm trench of the revolution in Africa" and "in Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa lies the continuation of our struggle."

The ceremony featured videos about the statesman's political career and excerpts from his poetry, providing a moment of reflection on his legacy.

The ambassador highlighted investments made by President Joo Louren§o's executive branch, including projects aimed at improving living conditions for the population, such as road, rail, and airport infrastructure; social housing; hospitals; schools; refineries; and hydroelectric and photovoltaic plants.