Addis Ababa: Angolan President Joo Louren§o met with Mozambican President Daniel Chapo in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to deliberate on enhancing bilateral cooperation between their nations. This marked their first meeting since Chapo assumed the presidency, focusing on reviving agreements, particularly in economic, political, and diplomatic arenas, to foster mutual development.
According to Angola Press News Agency, President Chapo expressed Mozambique's desire to rejuvenate prior agreements with Angola, emphasizing the importance of strengthening friendly relations and cooperation. He highlighted the historical bond shared by the two nations, noting their impending 50th anniversary of independence as a pivotal moment to enhance economic, political, and diplomatic ties.
Chapo briefed Louren§o on Mozambique's current political, economic, and social landscape, a discussion he had previously held with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Chairman of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). He also congratulated Angola on its recent election as the chair of the African Union (AU), a position last held by a Portuguese-speaking country in 2003, under Mozambique's Joaquim Chissano.
The Mozambican leader hailed Angola's AU chairmanship as a significant triumph for Portuguese-speaking nations, underscoring Mozambique's commitment to supporting Angola's leadership throughout its tenure. He emphasized the shared linguistic, cultural, and cooperative ties that unite the two countries, expressing optimism for Angola's successful presidency.
In addition to meeting with President Chapo, President Louren§o engaged in discussions with Democratic Republic of Congo's President Denis Sassou Nguesso. Their dialogue focused on issues affecting the Great Lakes region, notably the M23 rebellion, which has seen rebels, backed by the Rwandan Defense Forces, occupying Boma in North Kivu province.
These meetings were part of the 38th Summit of African Heads of State and Government, which took place over the weekend. The summit concluded with Angola assuming the AU's rotating presidency for the upcoming year.