Chen Feng, minister counselor at the Chinese embassy in Angola, spoke to journalists on the sidelines of a conference on promoting universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization", within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and highlighted that proximity to the United States United States of America (USA) does not compromise China's relationship with Angola.
"We are independent, sovereign countries, we have complete freedom to be friends with any country. We are in a good period to develop China-Angola bilateral relations, there have been no changes in this regard", said the diplomat, emphasizing that China wants to continue sharing the their experiences with Angola.
"We want to improve our bilateral cooperation and support Angola to diversify the economy and achieve sustainable development", she highlighted, pointing out agriculture and industry as preferred areas, as well as the training of human resources.
Regarding US President Joe Biden's visit to Angola, which should have taken place between October 13th and 15th, but was postponed without a date, Chen Feng considered that Angola is a relevant and strategic country in Africa, with influence on regional and international.
She pointed out, on the other hand, that China also contributed to the development of the Lobito Corridor, investing in the modernization of the Benguela Railway and the Port of Lobito.
China was one of the countries that had expressed interest in the Lobito Corridor concession, which ended up being handed over to a European consortium.
The railway infrastructure that runs through Angola for more than 1300 kilometers, connecting the Port of Lobito to the Democratic Republic of Congo, also has North American financing that could reach 1.3 billion dollars.
The Lobito Corridor is considered strategic for the export of minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo, emerging as a Western counterpoint to the Chinese Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.
