Luanda — The Angolan President, José Eduardo dos Santos, received last Tuesday in Luanda yearend greetings, in a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace, in Luanda.

With First Lady Ana Paula dos Santos standing on his side, José Eduardo dos Santos received yearend compliments from the Speaker of the Angolan National Assembly and the Supreme Court Chief Justice, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos and Cristiano André, respectively, as well as from the country's Prime Minister, António Paulo Kassoma.

The Head of State also got greetings from the MPs of the Angolan Parliament, members of the government, religious personalities, representatives of NGOs, institutions of defence and security, among other guests.

In the ceremony, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, on behalf of the Angolan people, wished the Head of State and his family well-being, a lot of health, long life and happiness.

The top MP reminded that the year 2008 was marked by the holding of the legislative elections and by the continuous economic growth of the country.

He also reminded that during the electoral process, the Angolan people with civility, order and responsibility showed Africa and the world their political maturity and democratic flair.

On the fringes of the ceremony, the Angolan world champion of body building, Carlos César, handed over his world championship trophy to the Head of State.