Téte Antonio and Serguei Lavrov head the delegations of the two countries, which hold today the first bilateral meeting as part of the visit of the head of Russian diplomacy to the country, as part of a series of contacts with African partners.
In a speech that preceded the meeting between the two delegations, Téte António reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening and improving the ties of friendship and cooperation that unite the two countries, but spoke of the threat that the Russian-Ukrainian conflict poses to world peace and insisted on seeking of a solution through dialogue
"We will still have the opportunity to continue addressing this issue, taking into account your experience we will be very attentive to listening to your analysis on this dispute", said Téte António to Serguei Lavrov, encouraging the Russian authorities to "give a chance for the rescue of the status and prestige of the country, establishing, as defended by the Angolan President, a definitive cease-fire that can restore a climate of world peace".
Russia was one of the main supporters of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA, in power) in the Angolan civil war.
The minister stated that Lavrov's visit "is yet another opportunity for strengthening relations between the two countries" and deepening cooperation in existing areas and identifying new areas such as agriculture, agribusiness and the manufacturing industry, among others, noting that the executive's priority is the diversification of the economy.
"The two countries are connected by traditionally friendly relations", which also constitutes a guarantee for a frank dialogue, of traditional friends on our relations and other matters of interest, he underlined.
While the Russian minister was speaking, the journalists accompanying the meeting were informed that they would have to leave the room, a situation that made Lavrov question the withdrawal of the press.
According to Mirex officials, Téte António will have indicated that journalists could remain in the room, but the staff of the Russian embassy contradicted the orientation, so that all communication professionals ended up leaving the room where the bilateral meeting is still taking place, which is to be followed by a press conference.
