Luanda: The President of Botswana, Duma Gideon Boko, arrived in Luanda on Monday for a three-day official visit to Angola to strengthen bilateral cooperation. After disembarking from the aircraft, Duma Gideon Boko was received by the Angolan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tete Antonio, and other members of the government, beginning the official trip, which aims to strengthen the historic relations of friendship and bilateral cooperation.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the program of the official visit includes a reception for the president on Tuesday at the Presidential Palace with Military Honors, where he will hold a private meeting with the Angolan President Joo Louren§o. The Tswanese head of state is also expected to sign new legal instruments and participate in the Angola/Botswana Business Economic Forum to strengthen ties in the economic, commercial, investment, and political coordination areas.
On Wednesday, the Tswanese president will travel to Benguela province, where he will visit the Lobito Refinery. Political and diplomatic relations between Angola and Botswana were established in 1975, in the context of African independence and the emergence of new states on the continent. Since then, the two countries have maintained cooperation based on principles of good neighborliness, regional solidarity, and respect for sovereignty.
On the political-diplomatic level, Angola and Botswana share convergent positions on matters of peace, security, and stability in Southern Africa, within the framework of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a regional organization of which both are active members. This cooperation has focused primarily on promoting regional stability and preventing conflicts.
In the economic sphere, the two countries are currently under a strategic reinforcement phase, focused on bilateral economic cooperation, especially in the sectors of agriculture, diamonds, mining, health, and tourism. Both states seek partnerships to diversify economies and increase trade. Botswana's geographical position, coupled with its economic stability, opens opportunities for strengthening trade and business cooperation with Angola.
At the bilateral level, official visits and regular contacts between government officials have been taking place, with a view to deepening cooperation in strategic areas.
