João Lourenço stresses for more investment from Russia

Angolan head of State João Lourenço has expressed the country’s availability to welcome the increased investment of private Russian companies in the sectors of their interest.

President of Angola, João Lourenço expressed the country availability at official talks between the government delegations from Angola and Russia held Friday in Moscow. He said that these sectors could be varied, given the enormous potential of Angola. The Statesman mentioned the private investment in the country's economy as the top priority of his Executive, stressing the desire to see the investment of Russian companies strengthened.

The Head of State highlighted the initiatives of Russian entrepreneurs focused on the production of agricultural fertilizers, tractors and agricultural implements in Angola, having requested the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the country's institutions to encourage opportunities of Angolan market.

Also in the economic and business cooperation, João Lourenço pointed out the performance of the Russian diamond company ALROSA and stressed the relevance of the oil and gas domain. He recalled that in the areas of oil and natural gas, a number of ideas were also set out in the framework of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Commission of Angola and Russia, envisaging joint projects, both at the level of institutional and business cooperation.

 He pointed to the very interesting perspectives on cooperation that had already been discussed between the parties and that, saying that if necessary, they could be reviewed in detail by the respective ministerial sectors. The Angolan Head of State also referred to Russia’s role in the training of Angolan staff, since the era of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

To this purpose, João Lourenço said that the Angolan government's great commitment continues to be in the training of experts in the most varied areas of knowledge, to ensure the foundations on which Angola's development will be based. He said that Angola will continue open to Russia’s cooperation, openness and availability so that young Angolans can reach the best universities, institutes, technical schools and other high and higher education, civil and military institutions.

The President asked his counterpart Vladimir Putin so that Russia can offer training for excelled young people in initial training schools. During the talks, João Lourenço expressed satisfaction at his first state visit to Russia, which occurs ten years after his last visit to the highest level. He said that the main objective of his visit to Moscow was to address all aspects to revive the bilateral relations that have characterised them for decades.

With inputs from agencies.

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