Jornal de Angola, the Angolan Press Agency, Angolan Public Television, Novo Jornal, Correio da Kianda and O País are dedicating material to the topic, highlighting the statements made to the US newspaper The New York Times by President João Lourenço.
The president said that Biden’s visit should impact the way the US market looks at Angola, as it is a sign of confidence for companies and investors.
Lourenço commented that until now the greatest US interests are concentrated in the oil and gas industry, but it is expected that with this trip, spaces for cooperation and a diversification of investments in other areas of the Angolan economy will be identified.
On the future of relations with the United States and the possibility of going backwards due to the arrival of Donald Trump to the White House, the Angolan president said he was not worried about the change of president and stressed the willingness to work together.
The head of state defended the investment model in the Lobito Corridor, a project that extends the railway line and will allow the transport of minerals from Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In this regard, he specified that it is not about reproducing the model of sale of raw materials, the desire is to transform these raw materials in the country, but it is not something that can happen from one day to the next.
He pointed out, however, that this initiative is done in the interest of African countries, unlike the colonial period, when raw materials were extracted without the consent of the people.
He added that the Lobito Corridor is much more than a railway line to transport minerals, as it will contribute to facilitating the movement of agricultural and industrial products from these regions, in addition to promoting other investments and infrastructure for the benefit of local populations.
Lourenço also defended Angola’s independence to engage with any country and establish business, be it the United States or China, and regretted that whenever the issue was addressed, it was assumed that it was mandatory to side with one or the other.
President Biden will arrive in Luanda on December 2 for a three-day state visit, at the invitation of President João Lourenço.
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