17 November 2008
Luanda — The commander of US Naval Forces for Europe and Africa, adm. Mark Fitzgerald, arrived Sunday in Luanda, for a two-day visit aimed at reinforcement of existing bilateral military cooperation between the two countries.
The US admiral told journalists on arrival in Luanda that he is in the country in a spirit of cooperation between the two countries, adding he hopes to have it further developed in coming days.
Mark Fitzgerald, a navy officer with more than 30 years of career, said the his country and Angola have a long period of cooperation that has been reinforced through existing friendship.
He expressed the hope that the visit results in further consolidation of cooperation in the training of English language, medicine and other subjects that might be identified.
The officer also expressed satisfaction at being in Angola and having the opportunity to discuss with the local Defence Ministry and other authorities matters related to reinforcement of future cooperation.
In his turn, the head of Division of External Relations of the Defence Ministry, adm. Andre Mendes de Carvalho, who welcomed the visiting US officer at the Luanda "4 de Fevereiro" International Airport, said the visit of Mark Fitzgerald is part of bilateral contacts aimed at the reinforcement of cooperation in the sector between the two countries.
The Angolan officer said bilateral cooperation is already underway in the fields of training of English language, fight against hiv/aids and other technical and speciality areas of interest to the Angolan Armed Forces.
André Mendes de Carvalho recalled that within existing military cooperation between the armed forces of both countries, a joint military exercise, called "med flag", was held.
During his mission to Angola from November 16-18, the naval officer will meet with local government officials, to discuss issues concerning bilateral relations and reiterate the US commitment to a democratic, healthy, prosperous and safe Angola.
The welcoming ceremony at the airport was attended by US ambassador to Angola, Dan Mozena, the commander of Angola's Navy (MGA) for southern region, Daniel Domingos, and other high ranking officers of the Angola Armed Forces (FAA).
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