Angola should start building warships: president

LUANDA, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Angolan President Joao Lourenco said on Monday that Angola should start constructing warships and invest in building shipyards.

Initiating warship construction in Angola could lay the groundwork for the country's naval industry, the president, who also serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, told a ceremony marking the 47th anniversary of the Angolan Navy.

He said that Angola, along with other countries in Central and Southern Africa, must be prepared to contribute to the security of the Gulf of Guinea, a crucial maritime route for international trade, due to its geographical location.

The navy has the duty to protect territorial waters from external threats, maritime piracy, illegal fishing and the depletion of national marine resources, Lourenco said.

The president said three modern corvettes have been ordered as part of his modernization efforts, and that two Airbus C-295 aircraft capable of maritime reconnaissance and surveillance missions will arrive later this year.