Angola and DRC Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have taken a significant step in strengthening their bilateral cooperation, according to a message delivered by the DRC President Felix Tshisekedi's special envoy, Jacques Tshisekedi Tshibanda. The message, received by Angolan President Joao Lourenco, emphasizes the importance of expanding and strengthening cooperation between the two countries, beyond their current security-focused relationship. Tshibanda noted that the two countries have developed significant trade relations, but the level of trade is still below what is desirable, and that they hope to transform the existing informal trade into formalized commercial relations.

Key Takeaways:

• The DRC and Angola have solid cooperative relations, but most are focused on security matters.
• The two countries have significant trade relations, but the level of trade is still below what is desirable.
• The DRC and Angola aim to transform informal trade into formalized commercial relations to balance the trade balance.
• Angola has long expressed the desire to change the current trade paradigm.
• President Joao Lourenco is willing to work towards formalizing trade relations and has long awaited its realization.

Statistics:

• The two countries have developed significant trade relations.
• The level of trade is still below what is desirable.
• The trade balance between the two countries is currently unfavorable.
• The two countries have a pressing need to formalize commercial relations.

Sources:

• Angola Press News Agency
• The message from DRC President Felix Tshisekedi to Angolan President Joao Lourenco, delivered by Jacques Tshisekedi Tshibanda.