Hanoi (VNA) – A delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) led by Nguyen Trong Nghia, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education, paid a working visit to Angola from May 26-29.
At meetings with leaders of the ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and some Angolan ministries, Nghia stated that the visit aimed to bolster the traditional solidarity, friendship, and cooperation between the two countries’ Parties, States, and people and also to work towards the 50th founding anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties in 2025.
He also emphasised Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, and multilateralisation and diversification of external relations.
The CPV always attaches importance to and holds that the Party’s external relations will create a solid political foundation for the State’s relations and set up directions for the stable and sustainable development of Vietnam’s ties with other countries, he noted.
At a meeting with the CPV delegation in Luanda, MPLA Secretary-General Paulo Pombolo cited the MPLA leader and President of Angola as demanding that relations with the parties joining Angola’s efforts to overcome difficulties be enhanced, and that the CPV is one of the top priorities.
Angola is calling for investment to develop the country, and it hopes Vietnamese investors with their potential and advantages will boost investment in the African country to contribute to local economic growth. Angola is ready to provide the best possible conditions for Vietnamese businesses to operate, he said.
Pombolo also proposed Vietnam, which possesses advanced technology in the media, agriculture, mining and construction sectors, to share experience with Angola in these regards.
Nghia affirmed that in its foreign policy, Vietnam always treasures its multifaceted cooperation with Angola and the MPLA. It never forgets the MPLA and the Angolan people’s heartfelt support and assistance for the Vietnamese Party and people during the struggle for national liberation and reunification in the past.
He described the naming of a large avenue in downtown Luanda capital after President Ho Chi Minh as a demonstration of the Angolan Party and State’s respect for the late leader as well as Party, State, and people of Vietnam.
To further strengthen the bilateral ties, he proposed some orientations and measures, including increasing all-level mutual visits, especially by high-level delegations of the two countries’ Parties, States, Governments, and parliamentarians, to reinforce political trust and work out orientations for multifaceted cooperation.
The official also expressed his hope that the MPLA leader and President of Angola will pay a visit to Vietnam soon so that the two sides can share experience and sign cooperation deals to boost political and economic partnerships, prepare for the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations, encourage exchanges between youth and women’s organisations, and enhance mutual support at international forums.
At the meeting, the two sides also agreed to work together to explore new cooperation areas.
At the talks with Manuel Domigos Augusto, Politburo member and Secretary for external affairs of the MPLA, and Esteves Carlos Hilario, Politburo member and Secretary for information and communications of the party, Nghia shared some Party building experiences and Vietnam’s socio-economic development strategy.
He also believed that the two Parties will give guidance so that the two countries’ ministries and sectors will carry out substantive and effective partnerships.
The Vietnamese and Angolan officials discussed some cooperation programmes, including promoting high-level visits to Vietnam by Angolan Party and State leaders and the signing of a cooperation agreement between the two Parties for 2024 - 2029.
Both sides will join hands in building a plan for celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations while stepping up communications so that the two nations' people, especially the young, become better aware of the bilateral traditional friendship.
In addition, Vietnam and Angola agreed to continue coordination in and share stances on international and regional issues. They were also unanimous in supporting each other to raise their prestige and statures at the multilateral forums of political parties of which both are members.
During the visit, the CPV delegation also had a working session with Angolan Minister of External Relations Tete Antonio, who suggested Vietnam share development experiences, especially in diversifying its economy.
As a gateway to the African market, Angola is a highly favourable investment destination for Vietnamese businesses, he added.
For his part, Nghia said Vietnam always treasures and wishes to reinforce its relations with Angola.
He suggested Angola to increase providing information and issue policies supporting Vietnamese firms to expand business and investment activities. He also proposed the African nation continue creating favourable conditions for and protecting legitimate interests of thousands of Vietnamese people living here.
At another meeting with Angolan Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology Mario Augusto da Silva Oliveira, Nghia called for stronger partnerships in the information and communications technology sector to provide conditions for telecoms businesses to boost cooperation and carry out projects.
He also suggested supporting the two countries’ press agencies to work together, share information, and introduce each other’s cultures, countries, and people.
Oliveira voiced his hope for cooperating with Vietnam in terms of telecommunications and new technology. He called on Vietnam to assist Angola to build mobile phone, router and fiber optic cable factories and train telecoms personnel.
The Angolan minister also asked the two countries’ press agencies to cooperate closely and share contents with each other./.