Luanda – The new National Defence minister, general Cândido Pereira dos Santos Van-Dúnem, said this Tuesday here that the work to be carried out at the institution shall be of continuity relating to that implemented by his predecessor, Kundi Paihama.

Speaking during the ceremony of exchanging portfolios, he referred that these tasks of the Ministry of National Defence aim at meeting the demands of the country and of the military sector.

 
He added that they are based on legal provisions such as the Constitution and that of National Defence, which are aspects that were also stressed by the Angolan Head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos, during the swearing in of the new government.

 
Minister Cândido Pereira Van-Dúnem also underlined the importance of collaboration and spirit of comradeship among staff of the ministry for the success of projects and programmes.

 
On his turn, the outgoing minister of National Defence, Kundi Paihama, congratulated his successor on his nomination and stressed the sector’s importance in defending the country, since the armed forces are tasked with guaranteeing peace and stability.

 
He defended that cooperation with the Ministry of National Defence should continue, therefore various ideas should be conciliated, taking into account that new posts, such as minister of Former Combatants and War Veterans, are also linked to the armed forces.

 
The deputy minister of National Defence, Salviano Sequeira, deputy chief of staff of the Angolan Armed Forces, general Geraldo Sachipengo Nunda, among other senior officers and staff of this ministry also attended the ceremony.

 
On his arrival at the Ministry of National Defence, at around 09:30am, minister Cândido Pereira Van-Dúnem was received with military honours and reviewed troops on parade.