Luanda - The strengthening of investment by Portuguese economic agents in Angola was under consideration Tuesday in Luanda during an audience that the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, granted to the Portuguese Foreign Minister, João Gomes Cravinho.
At the end of the audience, the Portuguese minister told the press that he was looking to extend bilateral investments in the areas of tourism, energy and agriculture, where Angola has a great potential.
João Gomes Cravinho considered it fundamental to work to intensify economic cooperation, despite what he called "Covid-19 constraints" aggravated by the "conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The Portuguese leader said that the economic relationship between Angola and Portugal was favoured by the fact that the problem of the Angolan State's debts to Portuguese companies had been overcome over the last few years.
He also praised the work of the Angolan government to improve the country's economic conditions, which has been recognised by international agencies.
Mobility
In terms of visas for Portugal, the Portuguese minister said that the situation had improved since the signing of the protocol to facilitate visas.
"The numbers show that there is greater agility, but we have to improve. One of the objectives of my visit is to learn about the problems regarding the granting of visas and find solutions," he expressed.
This is the first visit abroad by the Portuguese Prime Minister since the new Portuguese government took office.
João Gomes Cravinho explained to the press that his working visit to Angola has both a symbolic and a practical dimension. He stressed that it was important to signal this partnership at the beginning of his mandate as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Angola and Portugal established diplomatic relations on 9 March 1976.
Portugal is one of Angola's main trading partners, with a strong presence in the construction, banking and food and drink export sectors.
The establishment of diplomatic relations was preceded by the opening, by Portugal, in January 1976, of its Consulate General in Luanda.
Angola is one of the main investors in Portugal, with activities ranging from energy to telecommunications and banking.
