In a significant move to strengthen ties, President Joao Lourenco of Angola has embarked on a four-day visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. This marks President Lourenco’s second visit to China since taking office in 2017, highlighting the importance Angola places on its relationship with China.
The Sino-Angolan partnership is rooted in a shared history of anti-imperial and anti-colonial struggles, fostering a deep sense of solidarity between the two nations. Over the past four decades, this bond has evolved into a robust alliance characterized by mutual trust, respect, and a commitment to shared development goals.
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1983, Angola and China have witnessed transformative phases in their bilateral ties. After Angola’s devastating civil war, which ended in 2002, the nation faced immense challenges in rebuilding its economy and infrastructure. While appeals for financial support from traditional Western institutions were met with hesitation, China stepped in to provide crucial assistance.
China’s engagement with Angola has been instrumental in the country’s rapid economic development. As the largest recipient of Chinese financing in Africa, Angola has received an estimated $45 billion from Chinese lenders. These funds have been strategically invested in boosting Angola’s capacity to harness its abundant natural resources, particularly oil, driving significant economic growth.
Within a decade from 2000, Angola’s oil production increased by 147 percent, translating into substantial GDP growth and economic recovery. Beyond the energy sector, Chinese investments have addressed Angola’s pressing socio-economic challenges. Projects spanning transportation infrastructure, power generation, housing, education, and healthcare have transformed the nation’s landscape.
Chinese companies have contributed to the restoration or construction of 2,800 kilometers of railways, 20,000 kilometers of roads, over 100,000 housing units, more than 100 schools, and over 50 hospitals in Angola. These developments have not only revitalized the economy but have also improved the quality of life for countless Angolans.
President Lourenco’s current visit aims to build on this foundation of cooperation. By engaging in high-level discussions with Chinese leaders, Angola seeks to enhance collaboration in various sectors and explore new opportunities for mutual benefit.
This visit underscores the enduring importance of Sino-Angolan relations and the shared commitment to fostering a partnership that contributes to economic prosperity and social development for both nations. As Angola continues its journey of growth and modernization, China’s role as a strategic partner remains pivotal.
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Lourenco's China visit will improve the quality of Sino-Angolan ties
cgtn.com
