Luís Montenegro made a statement at the Presidential Palace, in Luanda, after a private meeting with the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, and before the meeting of extended delegations from the two countries, as part of the three-day official visit to this country that started this Tuesday
“Our Employment and Professional Training Institute will begin working in Angola with the aim of promoting the professional training of Angolan staff, whether for activities carried out in the territory, or for those looking to go to work in Portugal”, he said, framing this initiative in collaboration protocols that will be agreed between the Ministries of Social Security.
The objective, he explained, will be for these citizens to enter the Portuguese job market “more favored, more agile and more capable of having effective development and reception”.
Montenegro also reaffirmed guarantees that the recent changes to immigration policy in Portugal “keep intact all the conditions for fluid mobility between Portuguese citizens who come to Angola and Angolan citizens who seek Portugal”.
“In this last regard, I want to reaffirm that the recent changes we promoted in Portugal in our immigration policy have not altered in any way the gateway we have established with the countries of the Portuguese-speaking community,” he said.
Specifically for Angola, the prime minister ensured reinforcement “in three major areas”: “Streamlining procedures and strengthening human resources in consular posts, and providing a more transparent service and combating the hoarding of vacancies, which is one of the obstacles that have often prevented Angolan citizens from obtaining appointments and respective visas”.
Montenegro also said that the two countries will continue to continue the cultural cooperation actions they have in place and to develop the activities of the Portuguese School of Luanda, which he visits in the afternoon.
“We had the opportunity, after our inauguration, to have the Minister of Education, Science and Innovation of Portugal here on two occasions, to resolve a human resources problem at the Portuguese school in Luanda. We have also approved specific legislation on this matter, opening a competition for the entry of teachers who, during the transition period, have problems of a work nature”, he said, adding that the executive also hopes to reinforce, at the start of the school year, the school of Lubango “with the hiring of five more teachers”.
In his statement, which followed that of the President of Angola, João Lourenço, Montenegro highlighted their agreement on several issues at the international level.
“Our cooperation within the CPLP in the first place, but within the United Nations in the second place, has been very coincidental”, he said, corroborating João Lourenço’s concerns regarding the need to find a peaceful solution in the Middle East “ that ensures the coexistence of two States” and ensures urgent humanitarian support for “so many defenseless civilians” and to put an end to “Russia’s unjustified action towards the entire Ukrainian territory”.
Montenegro recalled that, this year, Portugal and Angola will join, at the invitation of Brazil, as observers of the G20 work. “It is an expression of the way our two countries see the value of human rights and the value of peace”, he considered.
The Portuguese Prime Minister began a three-day visit to Angola, the first he has made to the country and which, according to the Portuguese executive, reflects the priority given by the Government to strengthening the relationship with Portuguese-speaking countries and, in particular, with Angola.
Upon arrival at the Presidential Palace, the head of the Portuguese Government was received with military honors, the national anthems of both countries were heard and, together with João Lourenço, they reviewed the troops on parade.
