Algiers: Angolan President Joo Louren§o expressed on Monday in Algiers, Angola's interest in exploring all existing cooperation opportunities between the country and Algeria, with a view to the socio-economic development of both nations.

According to Angola Press News Agency, the Angolan Head of State was speaking after the signing of 11 legal instruments between Angola and Algeria, as part of his three-day state visit to the Maghreb country. Speaking at the Algerian Presidential Palace, alongside his counterpart, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Joo Louren§o stated that the visit aims to consolidate the existing ties of friendship and cooperation between the two peoples. "We are interested in exploring all the opportunities that our two countries offer, without excluding any," he declared.

The statesman considered that Angola and Algeria have the capacity to contribute significantly to the economic development of their respective countries and the African continent, especially in the areas of infrastructure and industrialization. According to Joo Louren§o, the two countries share a common history of struggle against colonization and underdevelopment inherited from the colonial period.

Joo Louren§o highlighted that the 11 legal instruments signed will allow for a new stage in relations between Luanda and Algiers. During his speech, the Angolan Head of State thanked Algeria for the support given to Angola since the early years of National Independence. He also recalled that several Angolan engineers and professionals in the energy sector received training in Algeria, some of whom remain integrated into the management of Sonangol.

Despite the progress achieved, Joo Louren§o acknowledged that the current level of cooperation between the two countries "is still below what is desired," which is why he advocated for the holding, "as soon as possible," of the fifth meeting of the Bilateral Joint Commission. On that occasion, he said he had invited President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to make a state visit to Angola, on a date to be determined according to the Algerian statesman's agenda.

Before the signing of the agreements, the Head of State held a private meeting with Abdelmadjid Tebboune, while the delegations from both countries worked on different aspects related to bilateral cooperation. As part of the visit's agenda, the Angolan President will go to the Algerian Parliament on Tuesday for a solemn session.