President Jacob Zuma has today, 11 November 2015, arrived in Luanda, in the Republic of Angola on his working visit to attend the 40th Anniversary of the Independence of Angola. President Zuma is attending the event at the invitation of the Angolan President, His Excellency Mr José Eduardo Dos Santos.
The President's visit is not only aimed at joining the people of Angola as they celebrate their 40th Anniversary of Independence, but also and most importantly his visit seeks to re-affirm the historical and fraternal relations that exist between South Africa and Angola.
The relations between the two counties were cemented during the years of liberation struggle against colonialism and Apartheid when Angola played a significant role in support of the fight against apartheid.
Because of this history, South Africa and Angola enjoy solid political, economic and social cooperation as expressed through a Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JCC). There is a growing and noticeable economic cooperation between the two countries as evidenced by an increasing number of South African companies that have invested in the Angolan economy.
Of significance is the growing trade cooperation. For example, in 2014 South African imports from Angola amounted to R21, 8 billion while exported goods worth about R2, 2 billion.
Furthermore, South Africa, Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have established a unique Tripartite Mechanism on Dialogue and Cooperation between them which is aimed at helping the DRC to consolidate peace and stability and thus foster regional stability and development.
President Zuma is accompanied by the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Dr Siyabonga Cwele.
Enquiries:
Bongani Majola
Cell: 082 339 1993
Email: bonganim@presidency.gov.za
Clayson Monyela
Cell: 082 884 5974
