Luanda –The Angolan secretary of State for International Co-operation, Domingos Vieira Lopes, last Thursday in Abuja defended that Angola should step up diplomatic, economic and commercial relations with the Federative Republic of Nigeria, with a view to a “radical” transformation of the respective peoles’ lives.
Speaking at the opening of the First Interactive Diplomatic Forum on Sustainable Business, organised by the Angolan Embassy in Nigeria, Domingos Vieira Lope – who represented the Foreign minister, Téte António- said the event is a great opportunity to cement investments in areas that generate employment and social stability.
He disclosed that in the past three years (2020/2022), the value of Angolan exports to Nigeria reached USD 5.6 million, while imports from the west African country corresponded to about USD 16.8 million, which represents a negative balance of trade of about 11.2 million dollars.
Thus, the secretary of State for International Co-operation informed about Angola’s focus on opening itself to foreign investment in various sectors, including in the field of logistical infrastructures.
Nigeria shows availability
Nigeria’s minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, delivering a speech at the forum, made it clear that his country is really interested in collaborating with Angola and supporting the sounthern African nation’s efforts towards general development, having stressed that the Nigerian authorities are hoping to see reciprocity in this respect, further reassuring that the progress of one means the progress of all.
He then disclosed that it is underway the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Public Communication and Interchange in the Media Sector as a signal of bilateral alignment, aimed to deepen the relationship between the two states.
To Alhaji idris, Angola and Nigeria must strengthen their relations aiming for a common positioning in the continent and globally.
Business Council sworn in
The Diplomatic and Business Forum of Abuja brought together top personalities in the field of oil and gas industry, as well as banking, mining and entrepreneurial delegations from both countries.
On the occasion, the Angolan ambassador to Nigeria, José Bamóquina Zau, swore in the Business Council of the Embassy, which is an advisory organ on the best paths and practices to boost ethical and sustainable businesses between the two countries, in the ambit of economic and investment diplomacy.
The said council is chaired by the Nigerian Princess Fifi Ejindu (Entrepreneur and winner of the 2023 Women in Business Awards), with the vice chair being occupied by the Angolan entrepreneurs António Henriques da Silva and Bento dos Santos.
The same organ also includes the Angola/Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as the senator Grace Folashade, the businesswoman Sabena Johannes, among other guests.
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