Luanda: The new Japanese ambassador to Angola, Sano Hiroaki, announced that Angola and Japan are eagerly anticipating increased economic cooperation, particularly with the upcoming 9th International Conference on African Development (TICAD) scheduled to take place in August in Yokohama, Japan. After presenting his credentials to Angolan President Joo Louren§o, the ambassador highlighted the potential opportunities for expanding economic ties between the two nations and other African countries at the forum.

According to Angola Press News Agency, President Louren§o has been invited by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to co-chair the conference, leveraging his role as president of the African Union. Since its inception in 1993, TICAD has served as a crucial platform for fostering partnerships and development strategies between Japan and the African continent. The Japanese ambassador emphasized the commitment of both nations to strengthen their economic relations.

Additionally, the newly appointed Ambassador of Gabon, Edwige Koumby Missambo, underscored the importance of maintaining robust relations with Angola. She expressed her intent to enhance these ties, particularly in sharing expertise in sectors such as road, rail, maritime, and air transport.

In the same diplomatic ceremony, President Louren§o also received the credentials of ambassadors from Guinea and Algeria, Saifon Diallo and Mounir Bourouba, respectively. Both diplomats expressed their intentions to foster stronger diplomatic, economic, commercial, and political relationships with Angola.

On the same day, the president received the credentials of six ambassadors, including Anita Trsic Pop from Croatia and Sara Vald©s Bola±o from Mexico, marking a significant day for diplomatic engagements in Angola.