Africa-Press – Angola. The German ambassador to Angola, Stephane Traumann, highlighted this Wednesday the importance of strengthening parliamentary and economic relations between the two countries and expanding cooperation in strategic sectors.
In statements to the press at the end of an audience granted to him by the President of the National Assembly, Adão de Almeida, the diplomat stated that the meeting allowed for discussion not only of parliamentary cooperation, but also of bilateral relations, with an emphasis on strengthening political and economic cooperation.
Stephane Traumann said he is convinced that the work of parliaments is very important for a “living democracy,” underlining that dialogue between the legislative institutions of the two states should be deepened.On the other hand, he defended the need to intensify efforts in consolidating international organizations, such as the United Nations (UN), as well as strengthening political and economic ties between the two countries.
Among the strategic areas discussed, the diplomat highlighted the potential of the Lobito Corridor, considered fundamental for regional development and for increasing trade.
The ambassador also recalled the recent visits of parliamentary delegations between the two countries, advocating for the strengthening of this institutional cooperation.
He said it is essential that relations are not limited to governments, but also involve parliaments, promoting greater proximity and mutual understanding.Angola and Germany established diplomatic relations in 1979 and signed a “Joint Declaration of Intentions” in 2011 to institute a sustainable mechanism for broad high-level bilateral dialogue.
Japan
Also on Wednesday, the President of the National Assembly, Adão de Almeida, spoke with the Japanese Ambassador to Angola, Hiroaki Sano, who also highlighted the need to strengthen parliamentary and diplomatic relations between the two states.
The diplomat considered the existing relations between the two countries to be positive, strengthened by President João Lourenço’s visit to his country last year to co-chair the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).
Regarding the volume of trade between the two countries, he stated that statistics indicate approximately 200 million US dollars.
Relations between Angola and Japan, established in 1976, are experiencing one of their most positive periods, focused on strengthening economic cooperation, infrastructure (energy and water), health, dismantling, and human resource development.
