LUANDA, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Angolan President Joao Lourenco on Thursday sent a congratulatory message to the newly elected president of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel.

According to a note from the Civil House of the President of the Republic sent to the press, Angolans have a rich history of friendship, cooperation and reciprocal solidarity with Cuba.

In the message, Joao Lourenco also thanks Cuba for having unconditionally supported Angola "at the most tragic moment in its history when its own sovereignty and independence were in threat".

Angola and Cuba established diplomatic relations on November 15, 1975, four days after Angola's independence.