This formal invitation from António Costa was transmitted to the head of state at the beginning of the plenary meeting between the governments of Lisbon and Luanda, after noting that the two countries are approaching "an important cycle from the historical and cultural point of view, aspects that are also fundamental in the relationship between Portugal and Angola".
"Next year we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 25th of April 1974 and, the following year (in 2025), the 50th anniversary of Angola's independence. Angolan government had for the end of the fascist regime in Portugal, but also for the step that the 25th of April represented for the liberation of Angola", considered the leader of the Portuguese executive.
In this context, the prime minister stressed that "Portugal would be delighted to be able to count on Angola in these commemorations of the historic moment".
A historic moment "that allowed us to have a mature, solid and fraternal relationship between our two countries", he added.
In his speech, António Costa referred to one of the most delicate points in bilateral relations: that of debts to Portuguese companies.
"I would also like to salute the constructive approach of the Angolan government in the payment of debts to Portuguese companies. Since 2018, very important steps have been taken and it is important to continue this process, so that companies can continue to contribute to the diversification of the Angolan economy, duly capitalized", he said.
He then stated that Portuguese companies "are able to invest in new areas in the Angolan economy, such as agri-food, renewable energies, blue economy, fisheries, tourism and others that Angola defines as priorities".
"If Portuguese companies remained in Angola in the most difficult moments, Portugal also does not forget the welcome that Angola gave to tens of thousands of Portuguese in the worst phase of the economic and financial crisis", he stressed.
On the economic front, the leader of the Portuguese executive considered that, in the year in which Portugal and Angola celebrate 45 years of cooperation, "the new Strategic Cooperation Program 2023/2027 (PEC) will be associated with a robust financial envelope for the next five years : 50 million euros for projects, programs and actions (an increase of 42.8 percent compared to the previous PEC), as well as 500 million euros in the form of loans/credit lines that add to the still existing balance of 200 million of the previous PEC".
"The new PEC will continue to privilege traditional areas of Portuguese cooperation, but we will give priority to areas that support Angola's economic diversification objectives", he pointed out.
In his speech, António Costa defended that the relationship between Portugal and Angola "is solid and has already been proven in the difficult times that each of our countries has gone through".
"Portuguese companies have never left Angola, even in the most challenging moments, and have made a contribution to the diversification of the Angolan economy and to the training and qualification of many Angolan citizens. Portugal is willing to redouble its efforts", he promised.
Among the agreements that will be signed today, the prime minister highlighted the extension of the credit line from 1.5 billion euros to 2 billion euros, "an important instrument for the development of Angola, but also for the activity of Portuguese companies in this country".
"It is also a source of satisfaction to witness the completion of new projects under this line of credit, such as the signing of the contract for the construction of the motorway between Cabinda and Cabinda", he pointed out.
