Windhoek, ANGOLA, May 5 - Angolan head of State João Lourenço Friday in Namibia received the First Degree Order Medal, the highest award in Namibia due to his contribution to the struggle for national liberation, peace, security, freedom, justice and independence of the neighbouring country. ,

 

The award was granted by Namibian President, Hage Geingob, at the main event that marked 40th anniversary of Cassinga Massacre perpetrated by the then South African racist army against a Namibian refugee camp in Angola.

 

João Lourenço, the 10th statesman honoured with the highest medal in Namibia, expressed a deep appreciation to the local authorities for the move.

 

"I express, on behalf of Angolan people, Executive and on my own, deep gratitude for having distinguished me with the highest decoration of your country, which has for us a great value and a transcendent meaning," he said.

 

The same award has been granted to the presidents Ketumile Masire (Botswana), Roberto Mugabe (Zimbabwe), José Eduardo dos Santos (Angola), Julius Nyerere (posthumous Tanzania), Keneth Kaunda (Zambia), Agostinho Neto - Angola posthumous title ), Sassou Ngessou (Congo), Macky Sall (Senegal) and Jonathan Goodluck (Nigeria).

 

In his speech, President João Lourenço stressed the struggle for freedom and national independence.

 

According to him, this initiative marked a brilliant chapter in the history of this region of Africa, full of courageous deeds carried out by fearless Namibian women and men.

 

The statesman said that both Angolans and Namibians, united by the common cause of freedom, shed their blood on the battlefield, where they lost some of their best children in fulfillment of the dream that led them to the victory.

 

 

Highlighting the deeds of the former Namibian president San Nujoma, the founder of the Nation, João Lourenço considered him a courageous fighter for the liberation of the country.

 

According to João Lourenço, Nujoma’s achievements make him a heroic figure who can physically provide living testimonies and the history of the Namibian people.

 

He described Cassinga massacre as heinous act that claimed more than 600 people, mostly innocent women and children.

 

In turn, Namibian president stated that Angola and Namibia are fraternal neighbours and united by the ties of culture and blood.

 

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