Algiers: Angolan president Joo Louren§o visited on Wednesday the architectural and spiritual grandeur of the Grand Mosque of Algeria, DjamaS El Djazar, during a visit to that Maghreb country.

According to Angola Press News Agency, accompanied by the First Lady of the Republic, Ana Dias Louren§o, Joo Louren§o visited different areas of the religious complex, considered one of the most modern infrastructures on the African continent. In the guestbook he wrote that 'the visit to this Mosque was a memorable moment for me, as it allowed me to contemplate the grandeur of this place of spirituality for the Algerian people, who, through their great devotion, are building the prosperous, united and resilient Algeria that we know today.'

Inside and outside the mosque, the architectural elements stand out for their combination of Islamic tradition and contemporary engineering. The majestic minaret, the spacious prayer areas, and the sanctuary's adornments give the site its unique character, considered one of the greatest religious and cultural symbols of Africa.

The carpets that cover the worship spaces feature patterns and colors that convey religious, functional, and cultural meaning, constituting essential elements of the spiritual experience of the faithful. The Great Mosque of Algiers is the largest in Africa and the third largest in the world, after the mosques of Medina and Mecca. The complex also boasts the tallest minaret ever built, at 267 meters high.

With a capacity to accommodate approximately 120,000 worshippers, the infrastructure occupies an area of approximately 20,000 square meters and includes an institute of Islamic sciences, a library with about one million books, a hotel, restaurants, shops, and a helipad. DjamaS El Djazar currently represents an important spiritual, cultural, and tourist center of Algeria, reflecting the country's rich historical and civilization heritage, as well as the modernity of Islamic architecture.

The visit to the Grand Mosque of Algiers is the final item on the agenda of the three-day visit that the Angolan Head of State is paying to Algeria at the invitation of his counterpart, Abdelmadjid Tebboune. During the first two days of the official trip, the Angolan Head of State held meetings with the President of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and the Prime Minister, Sifi Ghrieb.

The state visit aimed to deepen bilateral relations and resulted in the signing of 11 agreements in the sectors of oil and gas, technology, health and mining, transport, training, diplomacy, among others. Among the most symbolic moments of the visit was the awarding of the highest honorary distinction of the Algerian state to the Angolan President by his Algerian counterpart, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Angola and Algeria.

Joo Louren§o awarded the Algerian statesman the Order of Agostinho Neto, given to personalities with significant achievements for the benefit of nations and peoples. The relation between Angola and Algeria dates back to the period before Angolan independence, when the Algerian state played a prominent role in supporting the national liberation struggle.