Luanda, ANGOLA, November 27 - The Angolan Head of State, João Lourenço, returned to the country last Saturday evening, after making an official two-day visit to South Africa, aimed at bolstering the bilateral relations.,

At Luanda’s 4 de Fevereiro International Airport, João Lourenço was welcomed by the Vice President, Bornito de Sousa, the Parliament Speaker, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, government officials and senior presidential staff.

 

During his state visit, the Angolan Head of State held a meeting last Friday with his South African counterpart, Jacob Zuma, with whom he discussed matters relating to the consolidation of the ties of fraternity, friendship and co-operation between both Southern African states.  

 

In this work visit five agreements were signed, namely the Memorandum of Understanding for the Creation of the Bilateral Joint Commission, Protocol on Environment, Suppression of Visa on Ordinary Passports, Memorandum of Understanding on Police Cooperation, and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters.

 

The Angolan Head of State also paid homage to the South African nationalist Oliver Reginald Tambo, by placing a wreath on the tomb of the late ANC party board member and freedom fighter.

 

On the occasion, João Lourenço – who was accompanied by his wife, Ana Dias Lourenço - expressed his deep respect for all South African heroes who perished for the cause of freedom, fighting against the oppressive regime of Apartheid.

 

Before leaving, the Angolan statesman held a meeting with members of the Angolan community residing in South Africa.

 

This is the first state visit of President João Lourenço since he was sworn in last 26 September.

 

South Africa is Angola’s main economic partner in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

 

In the year 2016, the trade between the two countries dropped to 2.4 billion US dollars, which corresponds to a reduction of 75 per cent, a situation that is justified by the economic and financial crisis that hit Angola.  

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