Africa-Press – Angola. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and her Angolan counterpart, João Lourenço, have pledged to strengthen economic and security ties, marking a significant shift in the relations between the two nations.
This commitment was made during President Suluhu’s recent State visit to Angola with her delegation.
Suluhu emphasised that the visit was more than just a diplomatic engagement; It was a declaration of intent, boldly reaffirming enduring friendship and solidarity, at the same time forward-looking and a commitment to elevate bilateral relations to new heights between the two countries.
“It marked a new chapter, in the book of history written by our founding Presidents—Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Agostinho Neto— In every sense, a game changer aiming at invigorating our historical ties for economic cooperation,” she stated.
During her visit, Suluhu also addressed the Angolan Parliament, expressing sentiments that reflect not only personal feelings but also the profound fraternal bond between the two nations:
“Angola to us is like one of the many houses one can have. It does not matter how long you have not visited that house, but whenever you visit, the warmth and the nostalgia keep getting better,” she noted.
On behalf of the Government and people of Tanzania, she conveyed her heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception she received from President João Lourenço, the Angolan Government, and its citizens.
She acknowledged the historical and political connections between Tanzania and Angola, which trace back to the colonial era and the struggle for liberation.
“The selfless roles played by our leaders in liberating Africa form the moral compass upon which today’s cooperation is anchored. We must never forget the significant role that Tanzania and the wider region played in supporting Angola’s liberation, nor Angola’s vital contribution to securing an independent, apartheid-free southern Africa,” Suluhu stated.
However, she pointed out that the challenges facing both countries have evolved, now focusing on their citizens’ mental occupation by poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment.
In light of these challenges, she urged both nations to harness their potential and resources with the same determination and unity that characterised their liberation struggles.
“The spirit of Pan-Africanism and African Unity must now guide us in confronting modern challenges—climate change, food insecurity, unsustainable debt, and youth unemployment.”
In their bilateral talks, President Lourenço and the other leader reiterated their mutual dedication to economic transformation.
They recognised that although their political relationship is robust and has deep historical roots, it is essential to rejuvenate their economic cooperation to reflect that strength.
“We took stock of the untapped opportunities that exist in trade, energy, transport, agriculture, and mineral development,” Suluhu asserted.
The two leaders also agreed to enhance collaboration in areas such as renewable energy, logistics, the blue economy, and regional trade, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Angola’s expertise in oil and gas, energy infrastructure, and resource development complements Tanzania’s expanding economy, stable investment environment, and strategic position connecting East, Central, and Southern Africa.
In addition to economic partnerships, the Presidents acknowledged the significance of investing in people by empowering the youth, who are full of talent, creativity, and ambition.
Tanzania and Angola also committed to strengthening regional peace, security, and unity under the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
“We will continue to support African solutions to African problems, while also engaging constructively with global partners for equitable and sustainable development,”
“As I emphasized in my address to the Angolan Parliament, “We, the current generation, must transform this great history into a future of great promise. Together we must strive to build confident, secure, innovative, and dynamic people.”In the words of Mwalimu Nyerere, “Unity will not make us rich, but it can make it difficult for Africa and the African peoples to be disregarded and humiliated.”
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