The first act in the official program of João Lourenço's state visit was a trip to the Quirinale Palace, seat of the Presidency of the Republic, where he met his counterpart, Sergio Mattarella.
According to the Presidency of the Republic's Facebook page, the Italian head of state praised Angola's performance in favor of peace in Africa, stating that João Lourenço is "an important actor" for stability on the African continent.
Mattarella also pointed to the existing exchange between the two countries in the energy sector – the Italian oil company Eni is involved in oil and gas exploration projects, as well as in a solar power plant –, expressing a willingness to extend the partnership to other areas, such as higher education.
João Lourenço, who received his Italian counterpart in Angola in 2019, highlighted the desire to "seal the ties of friendship and cooperation with Italy", stating the desire to receive Italian businessmen who intend to invest in the Angolan market.
The President also paid homage, in Rome, to the Unknown Soldier, laying a wreath on the monument known as "Altar of the Fatherland".
