Oramas served as a diplomat in different parts of the world and headed the Africa and Middle East directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Photo: Latin Press

The first Cuban ambassador to Angola in 1975, Oscar Oramas, received the Sacred Hope Order, from the Dr. António Agostinho Neto Foundation, promoter of the historical legacy of the African statesman.

The widow of the former President of the Republic, María Eugénia Neto, presented the award to the former Caribbean diplomat, in 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 Cândido Vieira Dias da Conceição.

This is a figure who witnessed some of the most difficult moments in the history of our country, the speaker added, recalling the award-winner's ties to 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 of the island's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recalled the director of the Foundation.

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 its Commander in Chief Fidel Castro responded to the request of Net's help.

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

Looking to the future, he advised "strength and confidence", because as the Angolans say: "The fight continues and victory is certain"

(With information from Prensa Latina)