Tokyo, September 13 to 15, 2024, H.E. Teodolinda Rosa Rodrigues Coelho, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to Japan, visited the Tamana City to participate in the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Tamana International Exchange Association, an Association dedicated to promoting the Portuguese language, culture, gastronomy, and the customs of the Angolan people.
This visit was organized with the aim of showcasing the economic and cultural potential of the region and fostering exchange and rapprochement between the peoples of Japan and Angola, exploring the possibility of creating partnerships within the framework of city twinning.
The highlight of the visit was the commemorative event, which was attended by various entities affiliated with Tamana City and the association. Among the distinguished guests were H.E. Takahiro Kurahara, Mayor of Tamana City, Ms. Rieko Mizumoto, President of the Association, and Ambassador Hironori Sawada, the Association’s Director for International Relations. Delivering a few remarks at the anniversary celebration, H.E. the Ambassador of Angola expressed her great happiness and excitement at visiting Tamana City and meeting the people of the city, who had been so welcoming. She discussed the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Angola and Japan, which has lasted for approximately 50 years and has shown significant growth, with high-level visits, the signing of important bilateral agreements, and a particular emphasis on the areas of economy and investment, referring to the entry into force of the Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments between the two countries.
The Angolan Ambassador acknowledged the various projects undertaken by the citizens of Tamana, such as the initiative of sending letters to different countries, including Angola. She also expressed gratitude for the support provided by the city’s residents to the Angolan Women’s Handball team during their training camp in Tamana, which contributed to their success in the world championships and the Olympics.
As part of the same visit, and to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s history and culture, the Angolan Ambassador attended a centennial tea ceremony featuring locally grown tea. She also visited a citrus farm and other sites of economic importance, as well as the sports complex that had hosted the Angolan Women’s Handball team on several occasions.
*Unofficial translation
