Luanda: Angola and the Philippines are set to cooperate in agriculture, aquaculture, and food security to strengthen their bilateral relationship. This collaborative effort was discussed in a meeting on Tuesday in Luanda between Angola’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, António Francisco de Assis, and the Philippine Ambassador to Angola, Paul Cortes.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the meeting aimed to deepen existing ties and address mutual interests, including aquaculture, food security, and agriculture. The Philippine diplomat, as noted in a press release, conveyed interest in forming a memorandum of understanding with Angola. This agreement would facilitate exchanges in rice production, food distribution, irrigation, and agroforestry technologies.
Ambassador Cortes highlighted the interest of Filipino investors in Angola since his arrival, emphasizing the potential for investment in these sectors. He extended an invitation to Minister de Assis to visit Manila to exchange experiences with lar
ge rice producers, which de Assis accepted. The Angolan minister expressed that both countries share common interests in these fields.
Minister de Assis also emphasized the importance of institutional cooperation and attracting private investments in areas significant to the Angolan Government. He pointed out the potential for collaboration in scientific research with the Philippines Institute of Agricultural Research. This partnership could lead to the creation of a specialized rice production center in Angola, benefiting from the Philippines’ extensive experience in this area.
The minister concluded by stating Angola’s intent to not only strengthen bilateral ties but also to implement concrete actions based on the proposals discussed during the meeting.