Africa-Press – Angola. Angolan President João Lourenço received on Monday a message from his Congolese counterpart, Denis Sassou Nguesso, in Luanda. The message reiterated the importance of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Congolese Foreign Minister Jean-Claude Gakosso delivered the letter and was received by president João Lourenço as the Congolese president’s special envoy.
The message was sent in honor of the 50th anniversary of Angolan independence, which will be celebrated on November 11. According to the envoy, it is a deeply symbolic occasion for both peoples.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Gakosso emphasized the historical importance of the two countries’ bilateral relations, saying, “Angola and Congo are linked by blood, by land, and by history.”
“This year is very special for Angola and Congo as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence. This event was celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Republic of Congo in 1975,” the Congolese foreign minister declared.
During the meeting, issues of mutual interest were discussed, with an emphasis on peace and security in the region.
The Congolese diplomat highlighted President João Lourenço’s leadership role in peacemaking efforts in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as well as in the organization of high-impact international events, notably the United States-Africa Business Summit, recently hosted by Luanda.
“President Sassou Nguesso also asked us to convey his congratulations to President João Lourenço for holding this summit and for his continued commitment to African integration, including the preparation of the next summit between the African Union and the European Union,” the diplomat said.
Support for the UNESCO candidacy
Another topic discussed was Angola’s support for the candidacy of Congolese Edouard Matoko for the position of Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
According to the minister, Edouard Matoko is a senior UNESCO official who has dedicated his entire career to the organization, having also participated in the first edition of the Luanda Biennial.
“His candidacy represents not only Congo, but the entire African group,” emphasized the special envoy of the President of Congo.
Angola/Congo Cooperation
Relations between Angola and Congo have been characterized by solid cooperation in the areas of security, energy, transport, trade, education, and culture.
Congo significantly supported Angola’s struggle for independence.
The two countries maintain regular political dialogue and share a border, which requires constant coordination on security and mobility.
In the defense and security sector, cooperation focuses, among other things, on combating cross-border trafficking and border protection, within the framework of the Permanent Joint Commission.
In the energy and oil sector, collaboration studies are underway between Sonangol and the Congolese company SNPC, with a view to potential joint hydrocarbon exploration.
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