Luanda: German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised Angola's significant role in leading the African Union during his visit to Luanda. He highlighted the dedication of the Angolan Head of State, Joo Louren§o, in advancing peace, security, and political integration across the continent.
According to Angola Press News Agency, President Steinmeier acknowledged Angola's presidency of the African Union and its organization of high-profile international events, including the African Union-European Union Summit. The German president commended President Louren§o's diplomatic efforts in resolving African conflicts, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, noting that his leadership is widely appreciated in Germany.
President Steinmeier expressed his pleasure at returning to Angola, reminiscing about his previous visit in 2014 and a subsequent meeting with President Louren§o in 2018 in Berlin. He emphasized the enduring partnership between Germany and Angola and congratulated the Angolan people on their 50th anniversary of National Independence. He noted that his visit, the first by a German President to Angola, aims to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Steinmeier remarked on the positive trajectory of economic relations between Germany and Angola, while also acknowledging untapped potential. His visit included a delegation of German business representatives from sectors such as construction, technology, infrastructure, energy, and renewable energies, all seeking new avenues for cooperation.
The German President highlighted the signing of agreements and contracts during the visit as indicators of progress and lauded the increasing interest of German companies in Angola's developmental projects. He also mentioned his upcoming participation in a rail journey on the Lobito Corridor, a major project linking the Atlantic coast with the interior and the economies of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with German involvement.
Reflecting on global issues, President Steinmeier called for a rules-based international order and advocated for United Nations reform, especially the Security Council, to ensure fairer representation for African countries. He asserted Germany's support for including more African nations in both permanent and non-permanent seats to enable more equitable global governance.
