Havana, September 12 (RHC)-- Diplomatic personnel accredited in Cuba, leaders of the Communist Party (PCC) of the island, different organizations, and historians recalled the legacy of the late Angolan leader Agostinho Neto, as part of the activities for his centenary this weekend.

The Angolan ambassador to Havana, Maria Cândida Pereira, said that Neto is one of the most influential figures in the recent history of her country and Africa and highlighted his humanist thinking and poetic work.

Opening a panel on different aspects of his personality and political contributions, the diplomat described the leader as a bulwark in the struggle of the Angolan resistance and said that he left a legacy of resilience, audacity, and intelligence.

Pereira recalled the deep friendship between the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, and Neto, which extended to both peoples and went beyond the formal and institutional relationship established between two countries.

As part of the panel, the director of the Fidel Castro Center, René González, addressed the role of Agostinho Neto and Fidel Castro in conquering Angola's independence.

Gonzalez recalled the chapter of Cuban military aid in those lands, initiated on November 5, 1975, and considered "one of the most singular military feats of modern times," in addition to the mutual admiration between both personalities.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Noemí Benítez, vice-president of the Cuba-Africa Association and former Cuban ambassador to Angola, referred to the contribution of the Caribbean nation to the training of qualified personnel in that country, which allowed them to consolidate their revolution and, at the same time, contributed to the preparation of Cubans.

The vice chief of the Department of International Relations of the Central Committee of the PCC, Juan Carlos Marsán, the president of the Association of Combatants of the Cuban Revolution, Victor Dreke, and the vice president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, Víctor Gaute, participated in the tribute.

Agostinho Neto was born on September 17, 1922, in the village of Kaxicane, belonging to the district of Luanda, and was a doctor by profession.