The President of the Republic addressed a message of condolences to the Family of the Mozambican painter Valente Ngwenya.

Following is the text of the message addressed by President Aníbal Cavaco Silva:

"On behalf of my Wife and myself I wish to address our deep condolences to the Family of painter Malangatana, one of the most expressive symbols of the links between Mozambican and Portuguese art.

Throughout his life as an exceptional painter and artist, and also for his civic role in the fight for democracy and for the improvement of the living conditions of the people of Mozambique, Malangatana is justly deserving of our deepest appreciation and consideration.

In this hour of mourning, it is with sincere grief that I render tribute to Malangatana, an outstanding figure of the secular encounter of cultures between Portugal and Africa, who will remain in the memory of all who were acquainted with this friend of Portugal and of the Portuguese.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva"