Luanda: The designated ambassadors of South Africa and Finland presented their copies of credentials on Monday in Luanda to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Esmeralda Mendon§a. Thembelani Waltermade Thulas Nxesi of South Africa and Finland's non-resident ambassador, Ms. Satu Lassila, submitted their diplomatic instruments during separate meetings with Mendon§a.
According to Angola Press News Agency, during the meeting, Mendon§a and the South African ambassador discussed the current state of relations between their countries and explored the prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation. They emphasized the importance of existing institutional mechanisms, particularly the Binational Commission, as a way to deepen collaboration in strategic sectors such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and tourism. The parties agreed to maintain regular political consultations to identify new areas for cooperation and enhance existing mechanisms to fulfill bilateral commitments.
With the Finnish ambassador, Satu Lassila, the focus was also on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in sectors deemed strategic. The discussions highlighted the potential for deepening partnerships in the digitalization of public and private sectors, trade, infrastructure, and telecommunications. These areas are seen as having significant potential for creating new partnership opportunities. The talks also underscored the importance of economic diplomacy in attracting private investment and enhancing economic and trade relations between Angola and Finland.
At the multilateral level, Lassila sought Angola's support for Finland's bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2029-2030 term. In return, Mendon§a requested Finland's backing for the candidacy of Ambassador Josefa Sacko for the position of Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for the 2027-2031 term.
Thembelani Waltermade Thulas Nxesi has a distinguished background in South Africa's trade union movement and public service. He has been a member of the South African Parliament and held several ministerial roles, including Minister of Public Works and Minister of Employment and Labour. Satu Lassila, based in Maputo, Mozambique, has extensive experience in diplomacy, foreign policy, and humanitarian assistance. Her career includes serving in various capacities with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and international organizations such as the United Nations World Food Programme.
