Luanda — The country´s Social Communication minister, Manuel Rabelais, saluted Monday the Angola Press Agency (ANGOP) for its 31st anniversary, marked on 30 October.

In a message, the minister recognises that "in three decades of hard work by the administration, staff and collaborators, ANGOP has taken significant steps towards development of its technical equipment and working conditions, reflected on the quality of work that is produced".

"In this moment of celebrations and few days before another independence day anniversary of the country, the Social Communication Ministry seizes the occasion to send to the national News Agency administration board, workers and collaborators, its warm congratulation" reads the message.

ANGOP, the only news agency in the country, was created in July 1975 under the name Angola National Press Agency (ANAP), whose works were distributed in a bulletin.

In October of the same year adopted its current and definitive name - Agência Angola Press (Angola Press Agency) under the proposal of the then Angolan president, António Agostinho Neto.