Angolan president seeking increased cooperation with Portugal

Luanda, ANGOLA, November 18 – Angolan head of state Joao Lourenco has pledged to raise bilateral cooperation with Portugal during his visit to European country scheduled for 22- 24 November this year.

Joao Lourenco made the pledge during an interview with the Portuguese newspaper “Expresso”, on the eve of his first state visit to the European country, next week.

“We will not start a new relationship, but carry on the cooperation relationship which dates back to the early days of independence in Angola (November 11, 1975), he said.

Speaking to the “Expresso” journalist correspondent, Gustavo Costa, the president announced that he will incentive the Portuguese private investors in all possible areas.

As for the repatriation of capitals held around the world, the president said he believes that the Portugal will cooperate in the issue.

“The relationship between Portugal and Angola is such that the European country may easily collaborate with us,” he said.

Taking stock of his first year of governance, the Head of State said he managed to achieve the “miracle” of having done much within 13 months at the helm of the country.

“I have been in the office for exactly 13 months. So demanding from my Executive much more than what we have been doing does not seem fair or even realistic,” said Joao Lourenco.

Joao Lourenco’s visit to Portugal comes at a time the two States are busy on the strengthening of the strategic partnership and seeking alternative ways to ensure economic recovery.

As evidence of the fact is the participation of Angolan president at the Portugal-Angola economic seminar expected to bring together businessmen from both countries in Oporto city, Portugal.

The regulation of the debt of Angolan public entities to Portuguese companies will be addressed during the visit.

Such conditions have been strengthened during the visit of Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa to Angola.

One of the results of the visit of the Portuguese official was the elimination of Double Taxation and the creation of the Strategic Cooperation Programme 2018-2022.

During his stay, the Portuguese Premier announced an increase in the export credit facility from EUR 1 billion to EUR 1 500 billion.