Luanda — The National Defence minister, Cândido Pereira dos Santos Van-Dúnem, on Tuesday in Luanda called on the military to remain firm, vigilant, disciplined and ready to guarantee the country's defence.

According to a press note, the minister congratulates the Army on its 20th anniversary, marked on December 17, and adds that the military must safeguard the country's sovereignty and democratic institutions.

To him, the commemoration of this date happens at a time that the Army, just like the other branches of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA), continues to consolidate with the success its process of re-edification, with a view to greater efficiency.

"In this context, the Executive, led by His Excellency President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the FAA, Engineer José Eduardo dos Santos, has been doing a noticeable effort to provide the Army with military equipment, human resources and infrastructures that respond appropriately to its basic purposes", reads the note.