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President of Angola arrives in Cuba
President of the Republic of Angola, José Eduardo
dos Santos, arriving in Havana on the evening June
17 to begin his official visit, emphasized the
fraternal ties and the long tradition of struggle
shared between his country and Cuba.
Santos also expressed his interest in exploring all
possible avenues in order to further strengthen
relations between the two nations.
José Eduardo dos Santos was received by Ricardo
Cabrisas Ruiz, vice president of the Council of
Ministers, and members of the diplomatic delegation.
As part of the scheduled activities during his
visit, Santos will visit the José Martí Memorial,
where he will pay tribute to the Apostle of Cuban
Independence, and tour the Mariel Special
Development Zone.
José Eduardo dos Santos was born in Luanda August
28, 1942. His political life began when he joined
clandestine suburban groups in the capital. When he
was 19 years old he left the country and started to
coordinate the activities of the youth sector of the
People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA)
from abroad.
After winning independence on November 11, 1975, he
was appointed Minister of Foreign Relations and
later served as Vice Prime Minister. After the death
of Dr. Agostinho Neto in 1979, Santos was elected
President of the MPLA, and the following day,
inaugurated as President of the Republic of Angola
and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces,
positions which he still holds today.
Cuba and Angola established diplomatic relations
November 15, 1975, four days after the African
country proclaimed its independence.
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