Fidel's Humanism Emphasized on 40th Anniversary of His Visit to Angola

The Comandante made his first trip to Angola March 23-27, 1977

Roberto Hernández | [email protected]
March 24, 2017 09:03:29

Fidel, during his visit to Angola, in the company of Angolan President Agosthino Neto (right) and Celia Sánchez Manduley (background left). Photo: Joaquin Viñas

LUANDA.–Angolans and Cubans emphasized the humanism of the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, during a commemoration of the 40th anniversary of his first trip to Angola, March 23-27, 1977.

"I would like to thank him for the support he gave us, which permitted us to be here in this room today," said General Antonio dos Santos Franza, who traveled to Cuba in 1962 to study agronomy and met Fidel during his talks with students at the University of Havana.

Fidel Castro changed history for the better, he left his mark on history during his life, Santos said.

With his internationalist spirit, Fidel filled us with dignity and made Cubans known throughout the world, Anibal de Melo said during an event in the city's Press Center, attended by Gisela García Rivera, Cuba's ambassador here and other members of the diplomatic corps.

Angolan ambassador in Argentina, Erminio Escorcio, who was protocol director for the Foreign Ministry in 1977, recalled Fidel's historic visit as very moving, while General Roberto Leal Ramos Monteiro, who served on the security commission at the time, commented on the challenge involved in ensuring Fidel's safety as he wanted to see and touch everything.

Lucia Ingles, secretary general of the Organization of Angolan Women and in charge of Presidential communications in 1977, said the visit was a time of great joy since Fidel was such an exemplary humanist.

"Thanks to Cubans, we have achieved what we have today. I have been to Cuba some 10 times, and I am Cuban, as well," she insisted.