Africa-Press – Angola. The outgoing Dutch Ambassador to Angola, Tsjeard Hoekstra, on Thursday, in Luanda, informed that bilateral relations between Angola and the Kingdom of the Netherlands are characterized by a strong economic and social partnership, thus experiencing their best moment.
The European diplomat was speaking to the press after an audience granted to him by the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, which served, among other things, for his farewell, after about four years working in Angola.
He revealed that the meeting served to exchange ideas related to the objectives achieved during his stay in the country, with emphasis on progress in the field of economic diplomacy, considered one of the priorities of the Dutch mission.
The ambassador said that they assessed the joint work with the Angolan Ministry of Transport, particularly in the Lobito Corridor, as well as the development of the logistics platform in the municipality of Caála, Huambo province, which offers potential for agricultural development in the region.
According to him, one of the most ambitious bilateral cooperation projects aims to export tropical fruits from Huambo to the port of Rotterdam, considered to be largest in the European continent, an initiative that could strengthen commercial ties and harness Angola’s agricultural potential.
The diplomat also highlighted the Netherlands’ involvement in social initiatives, focusing on youth and vulnerable groups, adding that their embassy have been working in several provinces, including Luanda and Huambo, with projects focused on sexual and reproductive health, promoting the rights of women and young girls, and providing support to teenage mothers and young people living with Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Regarding professional training, the diplomat also highlighted Dutch support that has benefited young people in Information Technology (IT) and other technical skills, contributing to the strengthening of resilient young people.
Tsjeard Hoekstra considers everything a very positive outcome, noting that he takes with not only diplomatic experience, but also knowledge of Angolan culture, the Portuguese language, and even some vernacular of local regions.
He reiterated the commitment that the two countries will continue to promote their ties of friendship and cooperation, remaining strong partners, recalling that the Kingdom of the Netherlands was one of the first European states to officially consider Angola’s independence marked on November 11, 1975.
Regarding cooperation between Angola and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, he said they are based on a solid partnership, with a history of cooperation dating back to the early days of the African country’s independence, which laid the foundation for stable and progressive bilateral cooperation.
Cooperation has intensified in recent decades, with a focus on economic diplomacy. The Dutch government, through its embassy in Angola, has worked closely with Angolan institutions, particularly in the transport and logistics sector, as demonstrated by its support for the Lobito Corridor, one of the main regional integration and economic development initiatives in southern Africa.
Future Prospects
Relations between the two states are described by both parties as excellent, with a positive assessment of ongoing projects and prospects for further cooperation. However, the commitment to sustainable, inclusive and long-term partnerships is one of the pillars of this relationship.
For More News And Analysis About Angola Follow Africa-Press
