Ankara – Angolan Head of State João Lourenço left Ankara (Turkey) on Thursday for Conakry, the capital of the Republic of Guinea, for an official visit from 30-31 July.
João Lourenço left Ankara after a working visit to Turkey, as part of his first official trip to that country, focusing on strengthening cooperation between both countries.
President Lourenço’s mission to Turkey versed on assessing existing bilateral cooperation between both countries and seeking new investments.
In his two-day stay in Ankara, President Lourenço held contacts with high figures of the Turkey State and influential business people, to whom he presented Angola’s vision of the future of bilateral cooperation.
During his visit to Turkey, the first of an Angolan Head of State since diplomatic relations were established in the 1980’s, João Lourenço spoke of the economic reforms underway in the country and their impact on improving the local business environment.
He also spoke of the legislation drafted by his government to improve the business environment and protect investments, and assured the Turkish that Angola is currently an attractive investment market.
While in Ankara, President João Lourenço met with his local counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with whom he discussed the need for expanding the bases for cooperation to other sectors.
The meeting between the two statesmen paved the way for official talks between delegations from both countries that led to the signing of ten relevant deals seen by the parties as crucial to improved trade, political and diplomatic relations between the two countries.
New erea of cooperation
The two countries signed agreements in various spheres, with highlight to economy, trade and diplomacy, seen by both sides as strategic and mutually advantageous.
The parties signed a deal on visa waiver on diplomatic, service and special passports, seeking to facilitate trade and boost tourism and regular investors exchange.
The two countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of political consultations between the foreign ministries of Angola and Turkey.
Angola and Turkey also signed a Memorandum of Understanding between diplomatic academies of both countries.
Another deal signed involves reciprocal promotion and protection of investments, including a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Institute of Support to Micro, Small and Medium-size enterprises of Angola and Turkey.
The parties also signed a MoU between the ministries of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas of Angola and its counterpart of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey, providing for cooperation in the domains of hydrocarbons and minerals.
The two countries also signed a MoU covering cooperation in the fields of renewable energies and energetic efficiency.
A cooperation protocol between the State-run “Televisão Pública de Angola” television station (TPA) and Turkey Radio and Television (TRT) was also signed, including a Verbal Process for the 2nd session of the Joint Commission for Commercial, Economic and Technical Cooperation between Angola and Turkey.
Angop learned that left to be signed is the Air Services Agreement between both governments, setting up the bases for the launch of the Luanda/Istanbul route, scheduled to start operating in October this year by Turkish Airlines.
This deal was one of the most highly mentioned by the businesses on both official delegations who regard it as a relevant landmark in the new era of cooperation between both countries.
Seeking to improve cooperation between both countries, the parties signed a deal for the creation of a Business Council. Signing the agreement were representatives of Angola’s Agency for Private Investments and Promotion of Exports (AIPEX) and Turkey’s External Economic Relations Council (DEIK).
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This, according to AIPEX chairman, António Henriques da Silva, is being put in place to bring Turkish and Angolan businesses closer, through the two agencies tasked with dealing with private investment.
Strategic partnerships
Another remarkable point on President João Lourenço´s official agenda was his participation in the Angola-Turkey Business Forum that looked into existing various advantages and opportunities in both States.
The Angolan Head of State said on the occasion that Angola is willing to establish economic, financial and business relations with Turkey, with a view to laying the bases for a strategic cooperation.
He further stressed the need for Angola to attract more investors bringing money, advanced technology and know-how with a rapid and efficient impact on the production of goods and services.
João Lourenço also mentioned the real advantages in investing in Angola, the main sectors awaiting Turkey’s private investment and what Angolans expect from this strategic partnership with the Turkish sides.
During the event, DEIK chairman, Nail Olpak, announced an increase in trade with Angola currently estimated at Usd 500 million.
He said trade between both countries stands at Usd 178 million, admitting business between Angolans and Turkish counterparts is still far from the real potential the two countries can reach.
On the other hand, on the last day of his official visit to Turkey, the Angolan Head of State gathered with seven influential local business people who expressed their wish to invest in Angola.
Angola and Turkey enjoy diplomatic relations since 1980 and regular cooperation in such sectors as trade, agriculture, education, culture, defence, justice and sport.
According to the authorities from both countries, the relations are still to reach desirable level, but there is hope new horizons could be attained.
AIPEX data show that between 2006 and 2006, Turkey’s firms invested Usd 22.55 million in 16 projects in Angolan provinces of Luanda and Uige, covering the fields of industry, trade, education , civil construction and creating 123 jobs.
