LUANDA, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Angolan Interior Minister Angelo Veiga Tavares on Tuesday urged Angolan police to fight corruption, impunity, money laundering, terrorism and illegal immigration, local media reported.
In a congratulatory message sent to the National Police for their 42nd founding anniversary, Tavares also called on the police to be committed to moralizing society, strengthening the democratic rule of law and social welfare of all Angolans.
The Angolan official recalled the role of the National Police in preserving national independence, defending the country's territorial integrity and maintaining public order and tranquility in a context of invasion of foreign armed forces.
"I commend all officers, both senior and subordinates, sub-chiefs, agents and civilian workers who have contributed directly or indirectly to the construction and development of the National Police, and I take this opportunity to encourage the youngest members of the corporation to follow with dedication the example," said Tavares.
Since taking office months ago, Angolan President Joao Lourenco has made moves to clean up the nation's ailing, corruption-riddled economy, as he promised in his election campaign.
Lourenco is the third president of Angola since independence in 1975. He was elected in the general elections of Aug. 23, 2017. The Angolan president has described international terrorism as a main threat, and austerity as a cure to the country's struggling economy.
