Brasilia: Angolan leaders emphasized the significance of their partnership with Brazil in multiple sectors as a means for socio-economic development. During the visit of President Joo Louren§o to Brazil, significant strides were made in strengthening cooperation between the two nations, with ministers from Health, Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, and Agriculture and Forestry expressing optimism about the newly established ties.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the Health Minister, Slvia Lutucuta, noted that the collaboration with Brazil would enhance ongoing initiatives, including staff training, research, and scientific investigation. This partnership builds on previous agreements made during Brazilian President Lula da Silva's visit to Angola in 2023. The plan aims to specialize 38,000 professionals over five years, with 400 Angolan professionals currently in training in Brazil. The Health Minister also highlighted the strategic importance of Brazil as a partner, particularly in projects related to sickle cell anemia, oncology, and pediatric cardiac surgery.
Diamantino de Azevedo, the Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, described the visit as a success for the oil sector. He detailed agreements between Angola's National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels and Brazil's Petrobras, emphasizing the potential benefits from Brazil's expertise in biodiesel biofuels and deep-water research. The collaboration also includes training and cooperation initiatives between Sonangol and Petrobras.
The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Isaac dos Anjos, highlighted the importance of agreements signed with Brazilian agricultural research institutions. He underscored the need for African nations to focus on food security and self-sufficiency, aligning with the African agenda for agricultural production. Dos Anjos emphasized Brazil's willingness to assist Angola in developing agricultural infrastructure, provided certain conditions and guarantees are met.
The cooperation between Angola and Brazil was further solidified with the signing of several memoranda of understanding. These agreements cover a range of areas, including the rights of people with disabilities, research and development, and agricultural and forestry research for sustainable development.
Angola remains one of Brazil's key business partners in Africa, with significant trade in agricultural and oil products. Brazil's diverse market and economic strength, being the largest economy in South America, make it a vital partner for Angola's development goals.
The two states expanded partnerships, two years ago, with the signing of seven cooperation agreements and technical memorandum in the areas of agriculture, tourism, health, education, human resources, support for small and medium companies and exports, when the visit of the Brazilian president to the country, in August 2023.
