Angola and Japan to sign new legal instruments

Tokyo – The Angolan and Japanese governments are preparing to sign new legal instruments in the fields of space technology, health, transport and energy, as part of President João Lourenço’s visit to the Asian country, said Sunday in Tokyo, Japan, the Angolan Foreign minister Téte António.

Speaking to the press, minister Téte António said that the visit of the Angolan Head of State has an economic aspect, with emphasis on issues related to the management of Angola´s debt with Japan, whose value he did not specify.

According to the official, the issue of talks on debt management is an initiative proposed by the Japanese authorities, “within the scope of the debt contracted with Japan by several African countries”.

The Foreign minister also noted the importance of holding the Angola/Japan economic forum, to be held on Monday (13), which President Lourenço is to attend.

Téte António recalled that negotiations are underway on the reciprocal investment protection liberalisation agreement between the both countries.

“It is an agreement that is taking some time, taking into account its characteristics and the difference in development between Angola and Japan”, explained the minister.

He considered that relations between both countries are rich and promising, marked by the political will of both governments.

Cooperation between Angola and Japan

Angola and Japan intend to increase cooperation in the political, economic and cultural domains, mainly in the industrialisation process and in overcoming challenges in the areas of agriculture and agribusiness development, oil and mining.

Bilateral cooperation began in 1988 as Emergency Aid, through UNICEF.

After the end of the war in Angola in 2002, Japan began to provide assistance in the demining and social reintegration of ex-soldiers and refugees.

Within the framework of Angola´s national reconstruction, Japan has been carrying out assistance through international organisations in terms of food aid and assistance to farmers and people living in poverty.

Japan´s support extends to assistance for the repatriation of refugees, water supply facilities, primary school construction, communication network and ports.

In the health sector, since 1996, Japan has donated 40 million US dollars for the facelift of the Luanda’s Josina Machel Hospital, which is a reference in the country.

Within the scope of economic cooperation, in recent years Japan’s knowledge and experience has been used in rice cultivation development and vocational training.

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)