Speaking to the Lusa agency, the Brazilian ambassador to Angola, Rafael Vidal, underlined that the visit "is a reflection of the high priority that the Brazilian Government attributes to the relationship with the African continent in general, and with Angola in particular", resuming diplomacy presidential.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva gives priority to the south-south relationship, in what Rafael Vidal defines as "Brazil's international responsibility with the development and social justice of its most important partners", as is the case of Angola, and transports new projects in area of cooperation, as well as investments and incentives to trade, accompanied by a large entourage of businessmen.
"Brazil's relationship with Angola must be strengthened in all dimensions because it is a strategic partnership", reinforced Rafael Vidal, adding that the largest Brazilian community in Africa is precisely in Angola, where an estimated 27,000 Brazilians live.
The visit should result, in practical terms, in the signing of several legal instruments, of which seven are already ready and another 12 to be finalized or still in the negotiation phase to be "tuned".
Among the areas in which Brazil can make a difference in Angola and in Africa, the Brazilian ambassador highlighted agricultural production and the "green revolution" through irrigation that is intended to be developed in Cunene, an arid province in the south of Angola, replicating what it was made in the San Francisco Valley.
"We are working hard with Angola in this regard and the President must, at the economic forum to be held on the 25th, carry out the symbolic act of launching this programme", the diplomat told Lusa.
Another relevant axis is health, with agreements in the area of cooperation aimed at treating HIV and combating leprosy, as well as food security.
Training in Defense, training in the judiciary, sustainable tourism, strengthening the capacity of small and medium-sized companies are also part of the cooperation "package".
"The universe of agreements in process is 19, of which seven are ready and others are being negotiated, because they need to mature more", said Rafael Vidal, stressing that there is a perspective of being included in the presidential visit.
It is expected, therefore, that Lula da Silva's visit will result in a "new impetus" for relations between the two countries, also "due to the progress of the Brazilian economy and the stabilization of the Angolan economy", pointed out the ambassador.
Among the areas being worked on in this area are agreements to trade in local currency and to avoid double taxation, as well as new lines of finance.
Out of Lula da Silva's agenda are the controversies of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (IURD), which previously caused some tension between the two States, but which, in the meantime, according to Rafael Vidal, left the diplomatic plane and are taking place in the sphere judicial.
The UCKG in Angola currently has two denominations with the same name, one linked to Brazilian leaders, but currently with Angolan leadership, and a dissident Angolan wing, recognized by the Angolan Government, which are still in dispute over temples that were seized by the court.
"The issue of the UCKG no longer exists, [the church] functions normally, under a new direction and this issue is not on the agenda of the Presidents. Any differences that may still exist are being dealt with in Angolan justice and do not involve the two governments , the issue no longer belongs to the diplomatic agenda, it is time to move forward", stressed the Brazilian diplomat.
