Africa-Press – Angola. The Presidents of the Republics of Angola, João Lourenço, and Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, met Tuesday in Luanda to discuss issues related to the strengthening of bilateral cooperation.
Upon arrival at the Palace, Teodoro Obiang Nguema, who arrived in the Angolan capital on Monday for a 48-hour official working visit, was welcomed by the Angolan statesman.
This was followed by the presentation of the ministerial delegations of both countries and a private meeting between the two leaders.
The ministerial delegations of the two countries met to define the strategic framework for new areas and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation.
Later, in the presence of the two Heads of State, representatives of both ministerial delegations will sign some cooperation agreements, which will be announced at that time.
History of relations
The bilateral relations between Angola and Equatorial Guinea are characterized by historical, cultural and economic ties and common interests in the African and international context.
The two countries share a vision of strengthening regional integration and cooperation within the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP) and other regional organizations such as the African Union.
Angola and Equatorial Guinea have economies based mainly on oil. This similarity creates opportunities for the exchange of experiences and partnerships in the energy sector.
Angolan companies have shown interest in investing in Equatorial Guinea, particularly in the oil, gas, infrastructure and construction sectors.
The two countries cooperate in international and regional forums to promote political stability, peace and development in Africa.
Bilateral meetings have discussed issues such as maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, a topic of strategic interest to both countries due to the importance of oil transportation routes.
There are cultural and educational exchanges promoted by the CPLP, with Angola playing a leading role in supporting linguistic integration and promoting the Portuguese language in Equatorial Guinea.
The two countries have consolidated their bilateral relations by signing several cooperation agreements in strategic areas.
Existing cooperation agreements
As of 2019, at least 10 agreements have been formalized, covering areas such as defense, education and training, trade, and visa exemptions for diplomatic, official and service passports.
The agreements include cooperation in the field of education and training, which aims to promote educational exchanges and training of human resources between the two countries; reciprocal visa exemption for diplomatic, official and service passports, which facilitates the mobility of government and diplomatic officials and strengthens institutional relations.
The two sides also signed Cooperation Protocols on Trade Agreement, which lays the foundation for increasing bilateral trade and investment with a view to mutual economic development.
This includes the Protocol on Cooperation in the Field of Fisheries, which focuses on sustainable management of marine resources and technical and scientific cooperation in the fisheries sector.
In addition, there is the Protocol on Cooperation in the Field of Culture, which aims to promote cultural exchanges and the preservation of the historical heritage of both countries, and the Protocol on Cooperation in the Field of Public Works, which focuses on cooperation in infrastructure and urban development projects.
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