“The Lobito Corridor is a historic landmark [in the region], it is an infrastructure that connects people, connects markets and consequently creates jobs, but we also need to keep in mind the human component, not just as a factor of connectivity”, stated Amina Jane Mohammed, in Luanda.
Speaking after the meeting with President João Lourenço, at the Presidential Palace, the diplomat argued that the infrastructure should contribute to socioeconomic development, with the creation of food systems throughout its length.
“We are talking about transport, not just the transport of goods and services, but we also need to take into account how to create development for all the populations that live along the corridor, also taking into account environmental issues, in such a way that it does not harm the environment as job opportunities are created”, she said.
In Angola, to strengthen bilateral relations between the Government and the UN, the official also referred to the importance of “stimulating the blue economy”, within the scope of the actions of the Lobito Corridor.
Amina Jane Mohammed argued that, in this specific case, it will be necessary to “look not only at the land-based part, but also at its extension to the sea”, ensuring that the issue will be addressed at the conferences and summits already scheduled by the UN.
With the President, the UN official said that she discussed the issue of sustainable development in Africa, issues of peace and security, humanitarian crisis, global tensions, “at a time when the world is experiencing turbulent situations”.
“We also spoke in order to see how we can leverage and develop Africa, mainly taking into account the goals and visions of each country”, she noted.
Amina Jane Mohamed, who is visiting the Lobito Corridor, located in the province of Benguela, on Friday, also said that human development and gender issues were at the center of the conversation she had with the head of state.
António Guterres' deputy, who is currently working in Angola, is the highest-ranking United Nations official to visit Angola, after former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2012.
