The Cuban president, who arrived in Luanda on August 20, held talks with his counterpart, João Lourenço, on relaunching bilateral cooperation, particularly on high-level specialized exchange for crucial knowledge areas.
During the meeting, Lourenço ratified his country’s support against the United States economic blockade against Cuba, and thanked the nation for assistance for over 45 years.
Three memorandums of understanding were signed during Diaz-Canel’s visit in the fields of tourism, drugs’ regulation and investments in the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM) in Cuba and in Luanda-Bengo in Angola.
As an outstanding issue on his agenda, the Cuban head of State noted Lourenço’s acceptance to visit Cuba and participate in the G77 plus China Summit, scheduled for September 15-16 in Havana.
The Angolan National Assembly (the Unicameral Congress) welcomed Diaz-Canel warmly,who was also well received at other meetings, not only with organizations and movements to express their solidarity with Cuba, but also with Cuban residents in Angola.
The Cuban delegation met with Cuban collaborators here, visited the Agostinho Neto Angola-Cuba School, and paid tribute to the combatants who sacrificed their lives along with the Angolan people in the fight for preserving independence.
Meanwhile, Lula arrived in Angola on August 24 from South Africa, where he attended the 15th BRICS Summit.
He held talks with Lourenço, and signed several cooperation deals on agriculture, health care, inclusive education, transport, public administration data tackling and transfer, and support for small and medium enterprises.
The Brazilian president was bestowed with António Agostinho Neto’s Order, the highest decoration granted by the Angolan State to local and foreign personalities, while Lourenço received the Grand Collar of the Cruzeiro do Sul National Order, the highest recognition granted by Brazil to foreign figures.
On Saturday, Lula will meet with a representation of the Brazilian community in Angola.
Lula’s agenda includes the renewal of the strategic partnership deal between the two nations, and the resumption of the Brazil-Angola parliamentary friendship group.
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