Angolan President Joao Lourenço extended a warm welcome to his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, as the Brazilian leader arrived at the presidential Palace in Luanda on Thursday.
This official state visit coincided with the conclusion of the BRICS Summit, where paramount discussions revolved around economic growth and expansion.
President Lourenço expressed his optimism about future collaborative efforts with Brazil, suggesting that it could serve as a gateway to the Mercosur.
“Given that Angola and Brazil currently hold the presidency of their respective regional organizations, I deem it highly important to arrange a high-level meeting between these two regional blocs. This would facilitate a cohesive economic cooperation within the context of our ongoing developments,” President Lourenço articulated.
During the BRICS Summit, the Brazilian president underscored the potential of African nations to become self-sufficient in food production. “Africa possesses 65% of the world’s arable land, and it holds a strong potential to emerge as an agricultural powerhouse, capable of ensuring sustenance for its population and contributing to global food security.”
Following a joint decoration ceremony, the two leaders ratified seven memorandums of understanding across various domains including tourism, health, and agriculture. These agreements are geared towards fortifying and revitalizing the bilateral cooperation that has persisted for almost five decades.
In the year 2022, Brazil’s trade relationship with Africa exhibited a notable 33.7% increase, with the total trade volume amounting to nearly 21.5 billion dollars, as compared to the previous year’s figure of US$ 15.9 billion.
“In the realm of health, we have addressed two pivotal aspects: we have bolstered our preventive policies, leading to the treatment protocols we presently adhere to, and a consortium of three Brazilian companies is set to import the nation’s inaugural pharmaceutical factory,” President Lula divulged.
The South American nation is keen on expanding its collaborative endeavors with the African continent.
President Lula’s African tour is set to conclude in São Tomé and Príncipe on Sunday, where he will participate in the 14th Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries.