Luanda: Japan's ambassador to Angola, Hiroaki Sano, announced plans to bolster cooperation with Angola in the areas of maternal and child health and agriculture, with a specific focus on Hula Province. This statement was made in Lubango on Thursday during the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the ambassador emphasized that recent official visits, including Angolan President Joo Louren§o's trip to Japan last year and the Japanese Foreign Minister's visit to Angola last May, have laid a solid foundation for enhanced bilateral ties. The cooperation aims to prioritize initiatives that can significantly improve the living conditions of the population in Hula.
In the health sector, Japan has already contributed technology for maternal and child care and is exploring the possibility of providing additional equipment, such as ambulances and patient treatment tools. This potential support is contingent upon negotiations with the Angolan government. Furthermore, Japan has allocated USD 5.5 million to projects in Angola's agriculture and health sectors, with ongoing initiatives nearing completion.
The ambassador expressed Japan's commitment to expanding support and continuing health initiatives in Hula in the next phase of cooperation. Reflecting on the 50-year diplomatic relationship, he noted the increasing interactions between public institutions and businesses from both countries.
Hiroaki Sano also urged for more Japanese companies to establish a presence in Angola to better understand its economic potential and explore new investment opportunities. He highlighted Toyota's involvement in the automotive and infrastructure sectors and mentioned potential interests in shipbuilding and fishing support activities, which could further strengthen economic ties.
Reaffirming Japan's dedication to Angola, the ambassador expressed hope for continued bilateral cooperation and increased private-sector engagement in the future. Diplomatic relations between Angola and Japan have been in place since 1976.
