Luanda — The National Army has responded effectively to the challenges for which it is called, above all, the preservation of peace and contributing to the improvement of the citizens' social conditions.

This was said by the Minister of Defence, Cândido Pereira Van-Dunem, while speaking at the main act for celebration of the 21st founding anniversary National Army, which is being marked this Monday 17 December in the 101st Tank Brigade, located in the commune of Funda, Luanda.

According to the minister, the Angolans know that when intervention is necessary in a context of great adversity, as the example of the restoration of peace in the country, in the process of demining, vaccination programmes, the army is always present with skill and spirit of services, strongly supporting the executive and population.

He said that the commemoration of the 21st anniversary of this branch of FAA occurs at a time when all eyes command face towards the improvement of living and working plan, which aims at upgrading the military infrastructure, continuous improvement in the logistical supply units as well as the improvement in frames.

Cândido Pereira Van-Dúnem was even pleased to see that soldiers are engaged in the tasks of reconstruction, especially those linked to the repair of roads, construction of bridges, demining and medical assistance to populations.

He said that, as defenders of traditions and achievements of heroes, the workforce must redouble its efforts to raise the standards of quality, rationality, efficiency and effectiveness of the Army, creating conditions for it to part of one of the most developed armies of region, the continent and perhaps the world, to produce better safety and welfare for Angolans.