Lopes stated this at the first interactive Angola-Nigeria
business forum held in Abuja on Thursday.
The Secretary, who represented the Minister of External
Relations, His Excellency, Téte Antonio, said the ties between both countries
were marked by signing the first economic, technical —scientific and cultural
cooperation agreement in 1976, adding that the exchange between the duo has
been remarkable in the diplomatic, defence and security, petroleum, education,
culture and transportation.
“In the last three years (between 2020 and 2022), Angola’s
exportation of goods to Nigeria was estimated at USD 5.6 million and its
importation stood at USD 16.8million, corresponding to a negative trade balance
of about USD 11.2million,” he stated.
Concerning the main product group, Angola exported crude oil
weighing about 42% to Nigeria, optics and precision accounting for 20%, and
mechanical machines and devices with their function, accounting for 14% of the
total volume of exports.
In the area of importation of acquired product group were
machine and apparatus, CKD, plastics, rubbers and other transport materials.
These groups in their total represent more than half of the total exportation
during the period (41%,19% and 15% respectively).
He also noted that Angola counts on the support of Nigeria
during its economic reform.
Lopes stated “The present international system is facing
various challenges.
“Angola being part of the system is witnessing a special
moment marked by structural reforms that aim to transform its macroeconomic
situation.
“To achieve this objective, the Angolan government intend to
count on the support of friendly countries who are always on its side, and one
of these is indisputably Nigeria.”
The Minister of Information and National Orientation,
Mohammed Idris, said the administration of President Bola Tinubu will continue
to strengthen both mutual ties, through a deliberate pursuit of productive
bilateral relations.
Idris explained, “President Bola Tinubu is desirous to
deepen the relationship between Nigeria and other African countries, including
Angola.
“Among other things, we are working on signing a Memorandum
of Understanding on Public Communication and Media Exchange with the Embassy of
Angola in Nigeria, as part of efforts to deepen our relationship.
“Nigeria is very much keen to support Angola’s domestic and
foreign aspirations and the country’s overall development, and we expect
reciprocity in this regard.”
The Angola Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Jose Zau said the
forum will help strengthen the economic ties between Nigeria and Angola.
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