Abidjan - The official visit of the Angolan president João Lourenço to Côte d'Ivoire, marks the turning of the page in relations between the two countries, which have many complementary actions, Angola’s Foreign Minister Téte António said Thursday in Abidjan.
Speaking to the press, the Angolan diplomat said the volume of agreements, 17 in total, that the parties intend to sign is a sign of the interest that Presidents João Lourenço and Alassane Ouattara intend to give to this partnership.
That's why, he said, the extensive entourage of ministerial officials accompanying the President, as well as the ambitious agenda prepared by the Ivorian authorities to seal this commitment.
The diplomat added that the parties have been working on boosting cooperation, pointing to the agreement signed in March to abolish visas in diplomatic and service passports.
Beyond the political and economic agenda, Téte António highlighted the fact that President João Lourenço will be honored as an honorary citizen of Abidjan, with the reception of the key to the capital city of Ivoire which, for the minister, has great symbolism since it represents the Angolan people.
The program for President Joao Lourenço's official visit includes a meeting with his counterpart Alassane Ouattara.
Talks between the two delegations are planned that will culminate in the signing of 17 agreements, as well as a business forum, in which Angola will participate with around 20 businesspeople.
The agenda includes a visit by the Angolan head of state to important industries, especially the chocolate factory and other cocoa by-products, one of the main vectors of the Côte d'Ivoire economy.
The Foreign Minister stressed the need to work on the implementation of these agreements, since there is the need to be aware that the solution to Africa's problems lies in Africa.
Téte António pointed out that Côte d'Ivoire is a hub for the economy of the western region and Angola is not oblivious to this reality, hence the need to implement these agreements, the impetus for which should include the opening of the Luanda/Abidjan airline.
Multilateral cooperation
In this vast cooperation that is being bolstered, there is still room for multilateral exchange, since, according to Téte António, Côte d'Ivoire can provide important support during the Presidency of the African Union, to be assumed next year by the Angolan Head of State.
The diplomat said Côte d'Ivoire has been the main player in peace issues in this region, where there have been many unconstitutional changes of power and terrorist actions.
Warm welcome
Anyone arriving in Abidjan quickly realizes that the next few days will not be normal, not least because of the Angolan flags placed along all the main avenues.
This is the first visit that President João Lourenço is paying to Côte d'Ivoire as Head of State, after being in the country for the African Union summit. ART/VIC
