Angola: ambassador De Almeida, cultural diversity is an asset

Rome - "Cultural diversity is anasset that promotes mutual understanding, knowledge andrespect. A 'soft diplomacy' strength that can be critical intimes like these", said the Angolan ambassador to the Italian Republic, Florencio de Almeida, speaking at the Conference on the Historical and Architectural Heritage of Africa and theItalian contribution, held at the Italian Geographic Society in itsRome offices in Villa Celimontana. "Cultureand inter-cultural dialog are key in the fight against radicalization, enabling civilizations to ally against thosewho want to divide us", De Almeida underlined in his speech.He is also President of the Culture Commission of the African Ambassadors to Italy group. According to the ambassador, in addition to their environmental and economic resources, African countries need to ensure their cultural heritage is known abroad, "as it can project a positive image andit will help bridge our relations with our partners, both publicand private". On the promotion of historical heritage, culture and architecture, Italy is considered by several African countries, including Angola, a special partnerwith whom experiences have been shared for some time. "Italy can offer knowledge and expertise forthe conservation of historical heritage and the fight againstart trafficking. On this particular issue, I would like to highlight The support offered by Italian experts for the historical quarters of Mbanza,Congo, which was enlisted last July as a UNESCO World Heritage Site", said the Diplomat.Italian support to Angola for this nomination was not an accident, it was generated by the ancient links between these lands. Mbanza Congo was the main center of the Kingdom of Congo founded in 1440 - currently split into the nation states of Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of the Congo - where the first Capuchin Friars arrived in 1600 to evangelize the African people. It was from that kingdom that the first African ambassador, Antonio Manuel Ne Vunda, left to deliver a letter to Pope Paul IV in Rome. After an adventurous journey, the ambassador arrived in the Eternal City and died there; his body was buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. In light of this ancient story and many other current ones, "we should further explore the potential of cultural diplomacy, a dynamic tool to create synergies among the public and private sector and civil society, with a complementary approach", recommended Ambassador De Almeida.