Ottawa — The Angolan Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary ambassador to Canada, Agostinho Tavares, last Friday formally handed the SADC portfolios to the head of Mozambique's diplomatic mission to Canada, Amélia Narciso Matos Sumbana, since this Indian Ocean country is now presiding over the regional organisation in this North American country.

The portfolios handover ceremony, which was held in the Canadian capital city, took place during the celebrations of one more SADC anniversary, which was founded on 17 August 1992.

The event was chaired by members of the diplomatic body accredited in Canada, as well as by senior staff of the Canadian government, such as Karen MacArthur, who is the director of the East and South-West Division of Africa of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and Christine Hogan, consultant of the prime minister for defence and external relations.

After presenting the new chairperson of SADC in Canada, the head of the Angolan diplomatic mission, Agostinho Tavares, highlighted that his successor is capable to lead and co-ordinate the tasks relating to the organisation.

Agostinho Tavares seized the occasion to guarantee that Amélia Narciso Matos Sumbana has his support in pursuing the tasks of the organisation.

On her turn, Amélia Narciso Matos Sumbana, thanked the contribution of Angola, while chairing the organisation and promised to do all she can to fulfil the agenda of the group, which includes the need to attract more investment to the southern African region.