Luanda: British Ambassador Bharat Joshi announced on Thursday that the United Kingdom plans to invest two billion pounds in Angolan infrastructure. Speaking to the press at the end of a meeting with Angolan Vice-President Esperan§a da Costa, the diplomat said the infrastructure investments will include roads, hospitals, schools, and the Cabinda airport.

According to Angola Press News Agency, the aim is to strengthen national programs and develop job creation capacity in Angola to boost the economic sector. Joshi said he also expressed solidarity with the people of Benguela province in the wake of the recent heavy rains that struck the region.

The diplomat stressed that the meeting also addressed the role of women and girls, recognizing the vice president's commitment in this area. He expressed his country's interest in helping develop these projects. Joshi also emphasized the importance of bilateral relations, noting that ties between Angola and the United Kingdom "are stronger than ever," underlining that there are historical and very strong links between the two countries, which are being further strengthened by growing commercial cooperation.

The diplomat noted that the number of British companies coming to Angola is currently increasing, citing the Shell oil company as an example, noting that it has resumed operations in the country. He also announced that, for the first time, a conference on investment in Angola will take place in September of this year in the United Kingdom to showcase existing opportunities.

Joshi stated that the United Kingdom is interested in investing in the Lobito Corridor to support the government's efforts to promote this strategic project and that contacts have been made to determine how to proceed with the project and the role that the United Kingdom can play.

The Vice President also met with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Angola, Amanda Khozi Mukwashi. They discussed issues related to health, education, water, and the Lobito Corridor. They also addressed the empowerment of women and girls, an issue that the vice president has been addressing. During the meeting, she emphasized that development should benefit all Angolans. According to the official, the partnership between the United Nations and Angola is strong. She expressed interest in strengthening it further.