Lisbon: President Joo Lourenço of Angola departed for Portugal on Thursday for a two-day official visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two nations. This visit comes at the invitation of Portuguese authorities and underscores a commitment to enhancing diplomatic relations. According to Angola Press News Agency, the Angolan president was seen off at 4 de Fevereiro International Airport by Vice President Esperança da Costa and other government officials. On Friday, the first day of his visit, President Lourenço is scheduled to engage in discussions with Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at Belém Palace, followed by a meeting with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. In addition to political discussions, President Lourenço will meet with Portuguese and Angolan business leaders to explore investment opportunities and deepen economic cooperation. The itinerary also includes a courtesy visit to the Assembly of the Republic, where he will engage with José Aguiar Branco, the preside nt of the Portuguese parliament. The day is set to conclude with an official dinner held in his honor. The visit will continue into Saturday, highlighted by a dialogue session between the presidents of Angola and Portugal, moderated by a media professional. This dialogue aims to further solidify the political, economic, and diplomatic ties between the two countries. The cooperation between Angola and Portugal has seen renewed momentum, focusing on sectors such as the economy, education, health, infrastructure, and tourism. The Strategic Cooperation Program (PEC) 2023-2027, valued at 550 million euros, marks a significant milestone in this partnership. In the economic sphere, agreements are in place to boost trade, attract investment, and undertake structural projects. In the field of education, initiatives include teacher training and academic exchange programs. Health cooperation emphasizes training, best practices, and service enhancement. Infrastructure agreements target strategic projects in roads, en ergy, and ports, while efforts in tourism aim to enrich cultural exchanges. The PEC also outlines credit lines for development projects in Angola, encouraging private sector collaboration to foster joint initiatives. This cooperation is viewed as a vital tool for economic and social progress, reinforcing the historical and cultural bonds between Angola and Portugal.
