Luanda, ANGOLA, February 5 - Angolan ambassador to Italy, Florêncio de Almeida, deemed the visit of the Italian president to run from February 5 to 7, a clear signal of both countries’ deep friendship and will consolidate the two States and peoples’ historical ties. ,

According to the Angolan diplomat who was recently speaking to the Italian press, said Angola expects to counts on the contribution of this European country to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil.   

 

In the meantime, he recalled that Italy always supported Angola during the tough times of its history and was the first western European State to recognize the independence of this African country.  

 

Today, underlined the Angolan diplomat, besides the excellent political diplomatic relations, the two nations work together to improve their economic cooperation in various sectors.

 

Angola was recently considered one of top five best African countries for foreign investment in 2019 by EXX Africa Business Risk Intelligence, this according to the diplomat, is a favorable moment for Italian businesspeople to invest in the country with immediate, advantage, competitive and win-win opportunities in several sectors such as agriculture, tourism, food, textile and shoe manufacturer among others.

 

He also said that the aim of Angola is to go up domestic output, make stronger and more competitive the private business sector promote non oil exports reduce exports of essential goods.    

 

Italy recognized the independence of Angola on February 1976 and set up diplomatic relations with this African nation on June the same year.  

 

Since then, several cultural scientific and technological protocols have already been signed and in July of 2013 the agreement on reciprocal short-term visa exemption on diplomatic and service passport entered into force.  

 

Recently, the two countries signed two memorandum of understanding on financial and economic cooperation and a juridical instrument on political consultation between the Angolan and Italian Foreign Affairs ministries.

 

Matteo Renzi was the first Italian head of government to visit Angola in July of 2014 followed by Paolo Gentiloni in November 2017.

 

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