Angola’s President Wants Economic Cooperation with Serbia To Reach Level of Political Ties

(BETAPHOTO/MILAN ILIC)

In Belgrade on June 9, Angola’s President Joao Lourenco said his country wants to see the friendship with Serbia reflected on bilateral economic cooperation, which is the main reason of an Angolan delegation’s visit to Serbia. 

Among a number of bilateral agreements signed between Serbia and Angola on June 9, Lourenco underlined the importance of two agreements - on scrapping double taxation and on mutual promotion and protection of investments, adding that they facilitate private investments and establishing mutual trust. He also said that Angola would like to see large private investments in higher education, agriculture, information and communication technologies, tourism, and the defense industry.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic described political relations between Serbia and Angola as extremely good and stable, noting that economic cooperation must be significantly improved. He said that the meeting particularly addressed cooperation in agriculture. Vucic stressed that Angola has about five million hectares of arable land and the potential to become the “Brazil of Africa.” Vucic added that two countries will work on strengthening economic ties, adding that more investments in both countries will create conditions for establishing a direct air link to Luanda, Angola’s capital.

At the Palace of Serbia, the two presidents attended the signing of a number of bilateral agreements and exchanged state decorations. Later, they also attended a round table titled “Serbia and Angola: From successful projects to new partnerships - 50 years of friendship and cooperation.” Vucic also said that the Angolan delegation will visit the Military Technical Institute on June 10, to explore opportunities for defense collaboration.