Lusaka: The need to ascertain the exact number of Angolans residing in Zambia, the situation of former refugees, and the social conditions of veterans dominated the meeting held on Monday in Lusaka between the Angolan ambassador to Zambia, Albino Malungo, and a parliamentary delegation on a mission to consult with Angolan communities in Zambia.

According to Angola Press News Agency, a press release from the Angolan embassy in Zambia which ANGOP had access to, the meeting also addressed the high number of Angolan citizens seeking medical assistance in the neighboring country, the need to open a Chamber of Commerce between the two countries, and the creation of commercial establishments and English language schools along the border.

The parliamentary mission will take place from May 11th to 20th, as part of the activities plan of the 3rd Committee of the National Assembly. It includes visits to the city of Solwezi, Northwestern province, where they will meet with local authorities, visit the Maheba refugee camp, and interview former Angolan refugees.

In Lusaka, the delegation will also meet with leaders of Angolan communities from Mongu, Western province, and the provinces of Lusaka, South, Central, and Copperbelt.

The trip also aims to identify Angolan citizens residing in Zambia, assess their level of integration into the education system, access to medical care, and legal status, as well as strengthen actions with the competent authorities to address the difficulties faced by these communities.

The delegation is headed by Deputy Felino Job and includes parliamentarians Yolanda de Sousa Gaspar, Eugenio Ant³nio Ngolo and Joo Jos© de Freitas, as well as technicians from the National Assembly and officials from the Institute of Angolan Communities Abroad and Consular Services (ICAESC).

Before visiting Zambia, the same delegation consulted Angolan communities in Sao Tome e Principe, Cape Town, South Africa and Namibia.

The 3rd Committee of the National Assembly monitors and promotes, among other responsibilities, the implementation of the Government's foreign policy and the political, social, cultural and economic integration of Angolan communities abroad.