Luanda: President Joo Louren§o of Angola extended his congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Russia Day. In a public message, Louren§o expressed his well-wishes on behalf of the Angolan Executive and himself to the Russian people and government, highlighting the significance of the day.

According to Angola Press News Agency, President Louren§o emphasized Angola’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation with Russia, which have been in place for 50 years. He expressed a desire to deepen these historical bonds, which have facilitated mutually beneficial collaboration between the two nations.

The bilateral relationship between Angola and Russia dates back to October 8, 1976, with the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in Moscow. This treaty laid the groundwork for diverse cooperation, which has continued to flourish over the years.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Russian Federation maintained its commitments to Angola, further solidifying the relationship through high-level visits and agreements across various sectors. Angola has managed its relationship with Russia with a pragmatic approach, aiming to diversify its international partnerships.

Russia Day, celebrated on June 12, marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic in 1990. This day was declared a national holiday by then-Russian President Boris Yeltsin in 1994, initially known as the ‘Day of the Adoption of the Declaration of Sovereignty of the RSFSR,’ before being renamed ‘Russia Day’ in 2002.