Africa-Press – Angola. The Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Angolan Communities, Domingos Vieira Lopes, expressed on Tuesday Angola and Nigeria’s interest in strengthening and expanding cooperation to consolidate the historical ties uniting the two peoples.
Speaking at the opening session of the 5th Angola-Nigeria Joint Commission, the minister said the two countries intend to sign new cooperation instruments during the meeting.
The diplomat recalled that the two states have signed important legal instruments, highlighting the bilateral agreements on Air Services in 1976, for the Establishment of the Joint Commission in 1979, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation in the fields of Culture and Education (1986), Health (1990), and the memorandum of understanding in 2019.
According to Domingos Vieira Lopes, Angola is currently experiencing a period of political stability and structural economic reforms led by President João Lourenço.
“These reforms aim to create a more competitive and attractive business environment, capable of boosting economic and trade cooperation with partner countries, including Nigeria, which occupies a special place in this context,” Lopes said.
The 5th Bilateral Joint Commission is a meeting that provides a unique opportunity to strengthen the ties of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation that have always characterized political and diplomatic relations between countries and peoples, in the spirit of African brotherhood.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Bilateral Affairs, Bianca Odumengu, expressed her gratitude to President João Lourenço for hosting the 5th Session of the Angola-Nigeria Bilateral Economic Commission.
She added that the legal instruments to be signed between the two countries at the end of the meeting are expected to strengthen bilateral relations and play a crucial role in strengthening domestic institutions and promoting economic and social growth.
“In addition, the revival of the Commission will strategically enhance bilateral relations between the two countries through regular meetings where issues will be discussed,” she said.
The Nigerian ambassador said Nigeria contributed to Angola’s liberation from the colonizing power, Portugal, and to the recognition of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) as the legitimate representative of the Angolan people.
The reactivation of the Joint Commission is part of the continued efforts of both countries to increase diplomatic relations for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
For More News And Analysis About Angola Follow Africa-Press
