The former president’s widow, Maria Eugenia Neto, presented the award to the former Cuban diplomat at a ceremony held at the Memorial where the mortal remains of the doctor, poet, writer and founding father of this sub-Saharan African nation rest.

Oramas deserved recognition for his “relevant dedication” to the internationalist support that Cuba gave to the defense of Angola’s sovereignty, says the agreement read by the executive administrator of the Foundation, Amarildo Candido Vieira Dias da Conceição.

This is a figure who witnessed some of the most difficult times in the history of our country, the speaker added, recalling the award-winner’s ties with the nascent Republic and President Neto.

Created in 2015, the Order has the purpose of highlighting virtues and recognizing merits of distinguished national and foreign citizens for the services rendered to the struggle for the national liberation of Angola, as well as for their contributions in the field of science, art and literature, explained the official.

With a PhD in Political Science and a Master’s in Art History, the award-winner served as a diplomat in different parts of the world and headed the Africa and Middle East department in Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the director of the Foundation recalled.

According to Oramas, he received the award on behalf of the many comrades who have accompanied him throughout his life, with the same conviction demonstrated years ago, when the Cuban revolutionary leadership and Commander in Chief Fidel Castro responded to Neto’s request of help.

Life, he summed up, has given me the opportunity to be back in Luanda and I say today that the sacrifices and efforts of that time were “worth it.”

Facing the future, he advised “strength and confidence”, because as the Angolans say: “The fight continues and victory is certain”.

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