H. E. Mrs Lizeth Nawanga Satumbo Pena, Ambassador of Angola in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, hosted an important reception with the motto “Angola: 50 Years, Preserving and Valuing Achievements, Building a Better Future.”
The evening started with the two national anthems, followed by a solemn moment of silence to honour the courageous heroes of the independence of Angola. Ambassador Pena delivered a compelling speech, followed by Mrs Martine van Hoogstraten from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The celebration included a toast, a formal cake-cutting ceremony, captivating music from saxophonist Mr. Nanutu, and vibrant performances by traditional Angolan dancers. As the event concluded, attendees enjoyed an impressive buffet featuring the delectable dessert bolo de Ginguba.
Here is a resume of Ambassador H.E.Lizeth Nawanga Satumbo Pena’s discourse.
“ It is a great honour to address you today, on behalf of the Angolan People, the President of the Republic, His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, the staff of our Diplomatic Mission in the Netherlands, and in my own name, as we commemorate the Fiftieth Anniversary of the National Independence of the Republic of Angola, proclaimed on the 11th of November 1975 by the late Dr. António Agostinho Neto, the first President of the Republic and Founder of the Angolan Nation.
The event that brings us together today is the result of a long and difficult struggle, which now represents a national legacy. It was born from the courage and determination of millions of Angolans who, through their blood, sweat, and sacrifice, brought an end to nearly five centuries of colonization, making Independence and National Sovereignty sacred and irrevocable achievements.
It is important to remember that Angola’s National Independence was proclaimed during a particularly challenging period.
This context marked the beginning of Angola’s active presence in the international arena, particularly in Africa, through the dedication of distinguished figures whose contribution remains an enduring part of our diplomatic history. It is in this spirit that, on the 12th of November, we also celebrate the Day of the Angolan Diplomat, that affirmed Angola’s sovereignty and laid the foundation for its foreign policy.
Today, under the leadership of H.E.João Lourenço, President of the Republic, Angola continues to strengthen its democratic Institutions and the Rule of Law, while laying the foundations for a dynamic, efficient, and inclusive market economy. The accomplishment of peace has stimulated political and economic stability, providing a solid basis for sustainable development and a favourable business environment that encourages investment and growth.
In keeping with this year’s motto “Preserving and Valuing Achievements, Building a Better Future.”
The Republic of Angola maintains cordial diplomatic relations with all States, guided by the fundamental principles of international law.
As we joyfully celebrate this important day, we remain aware of the complex international context in which our countries, our continent, and the world currently find themselves — a time marked by serious geopolitical tensions that challenge global stability, peace, and economic development.
Angola currently holds the Presidency of the African Union, a responsibility assumed by His Excellency President João Lourenço on the 15th of February 2025, during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa. Under his leadership, Angola has set clear priorities: enhancing transport and infrastructure to boost intra-African trade, improving the management of energy and natural resources, and promoting investment in renewable energy.
In this same spirit of cooperation, the upcoming seventh African Union–European Union Summit, to be held in Luanda on the 24th and 25th of November 2025, will mark 25 years of the Africa–Europe Partnership. Co-chaired by President João Lourenço and the President of the European Council, António Costa, the Summit will seek to strengthen collaboration in key areas such as peace and security, trade, sustainable development, digitalisation, and human mobility.
Our two Nations will soon celebrate 50 years of close cooperation, following the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1976. Relations between both States are excellent and continue to strengthen through the identification of new areas of cooperation and the exchange of high-level visits. In this regard, the imminent trip of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Dick Schoof, to Luanda — within the framework of the African Union–European Union Summit —and the prospect of meetings with High Dignitaries of the Republic of Angola, will further illustrate the mutual commitment to intensifying dialogue and encouraging bilateral cooperation.
Allow me to address a few words to the Angolan community residing in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a community of which I am also a proud member.
In honour of the memory of our heroes and ancestors, we continue to make every effort to fulfill our civic and patriotic duties, ensuring that, beyond political and diplomatic matters, the institutional assistance of the Republic of Angola to its diaspora in the Netherlands is duly provided —so that all Angolans may fully exercise their rights as citizens.
I avail myself of this opportunity to also express my deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed to the success of this event, particularly to my esteemed colleagues, for their dedication, diligence, and commitment to the preparation of this significant event, organized with great attention to detail as well as in close coordination with the Hilton Hotel management.” The Hague, 13 November 2025.
