On Monday (16), the Angolan government reviewed the proposed economic agreement with the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to establish a broader framework for economic cooperation between the two countries, during a meeting chaired by Angolan Minister of Industry and Trade Rui Miguêns, Lusa reported.
According to a press release from the Angolan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the review of the proposal—which includes institutional mechanisms aimed at strengthening coordination between the authorities of the two countries and creating better conditions for economic exchange—took place during a virtual meeting, which was also attended by Angolan Foreign Minister Téte António.
The Draft Economic Agreement presents a more comprehensive approach to bilateral economic relations, focusing on areas such as trade in goods and services, investment, transportation, logistics, industrial cooperation, and the development of border regions.
“The meeting also allowed for the preparation of the technical basis for negotiations that will serve as a reference for dialogue with the Congolese counterpart during the upcoming negotiation sessions between Angola and the DRC,” the statement reads.
The initiative is part of the two governments’ strategy to strengthen the legal frameworks underpinning bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on areas considered essential for strengthening relations between the two countries.
The Angola-DRC Interministerial Commission serves as a mechanism for consultation between the two governments on matters of common interest, with a special focus on economic, commercial, and regional cooperation.
Also participating in the meeting were the ministers of Health, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Planning, and Tourism.
Angola and the DRC share an extensive common border of 2,511 kilometers. Last month in Luanda, Angolan Interior Minister Manuel Homem emphasized that the border situation between the two nations is calm but still calls for caution.
Trade between the two countries is most significant at the Luvo border post in Angola’s Zaire province, which sees heavy daily traffic, thereby reinforcing the historical ties between the two nations.
