Africa-Press – Angola. Mozambique’s ambassador to Angola, Osvalda Joana, in Luanda, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to working towards strengthening relations of cooperation, friendship and fraternity with Angola within the parliamentary framework.
Speaking to the press, following an audience granted by the Speaker of the Angolan National Assembly (parliament), Adão de Almeida, she stated that the occasion served to convey greetings from the Mozambican Government, and from the Speaker of her country’s Parliament, Margarida Adamugy Talapa, congratulating the Angolan parliamentary leader on his election to such top position.
According to Osvalda Joana, the two countries should continue to strengthen parliamentary and political cooperation, focusing on the exchange of experiences in the legislative field, especially in the areas of economic infrastructure management, environment, gender and social issues.
“We came to reiterate our relations of cooperation, friendship and fraternity between these two peoples and parliaments, in the sense that cooperation should be maintained with the necessary strength to mutually reinforce each other”, she stressed.
The ambassador emphasized that Mozambique and Angola face similar challenges in the process of building and consolidating democratic states governed by the rule of law, advocating for the need for political unity among the countries of Southern Africa.
During the meeting, the diplomat also expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown by Angola during difficult times faced by Mozambique, particularly in situations caused by phenomena associated with climate change that have affected various populations.
She highlighted the potential for cooperation in the agricultural sector, stating that the two countries can learn from each other’s progress in this area, adding that the ties between the two peoples already transcend the state sphere, being strengthened by family ties between Angolan and Mozambican citizens.
Situation in Cabo Delgado
Regarding the security situation in Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique, the ambassador explained that the topic was addressed during a meeting with the leader of the Angolan parliament, emphasizing that the region has shown signs of calm, with citizens gradually returning to their areas of origin and public institutions resuming their normal functioning.
In her view, the international support received by Mozambique, including the contribution of Rwandan forces, helped in the restoration of security.
“Mozambique can only be grateful for the support it has been receiving”, she stated.
Osvalda Joana also reiterated that the country remains open to cooperation and support from international partners, including the States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and Angola in particular.
The ambassador expressed her wish that the electoral processes in Angola proceed in an imported manner, highlighting the importance of preserving stability, national unity, and the well-being of citizens.
Portugal
In the same vein, Adão de Almeida also received, separately, the Portuguese ambassador to Angola, Nuno Mathias in a courtesy visit marking the beginning of the diplomat ‘s term in Angola.
During the meeting, the diplomat expressed his country’s commitment, as well as that of the Parliament, to strengthening the friendship he considers solid between the two institutions.
The diplomat announced the recent composition of the Portugal-Angola friendship group, established by the Portuguese Assembly of the Republic at the end of last year.
He emphasized that parliamentary relations between Angola and Portugal are “very good and long-lasting, in the most diverse fields”.
For the diplomat, these first institutional contacts are “extremely enriching” moments, especially at this initial stage of his mandate in Angola as a diplomat.
Regarding the possibility of a future visit by the newly inaugurated Portuguese President to Angola, the ambassador stated that, for the time being, there was no indication of such a visit. However, he highlighted the cordiality observed during the Angolan President’s recent visit to his country and the meeting with the new Portuguese Head of State.
Regarding visas and consular services, he emphasized recent efforts to improve services provided to the public, pointing to the opening of a new consulate in Benguela province, an initiative aimed at strengthening the consular network in the country and improving support for both Portuguese and Angolan citizens who use these services.
