Nigeria and Angola are set to sign at least 15 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) during the ongoing 5th session of the Nigeria-Angola Bilateral Economic Joint Commission (BEJC) in Luanda.
The MOUs would cover various areas, including economic and technical cooperation, security, education, youth development, and cultural exchanges.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the MOUs encompassed a wide range of areas, including economic and technical cooperation, security, education, youth development, and cultural exchanges, aimed at promoting mutual interest and cooperation between the two nations.
Amb. Ojukwu said, “Areas covered by the MOUs include the establishment of the Nigeria-Angola Business Council, which would promote trade and investment between the two countries.
”Additionally, the MOUs will focus on economic and technical cooperation to enhance economic growth and development”, she added.
The Minister also said, ”The two countries will also cooperate in combating illicit drug trafficking, strengthen migration partnership, and waive visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders.
”Furthermore, the MOUs will facilitate the transfer of sentenced persons and correctional administration reforms, promoting cooperation in the justice sector.
”Other areas of cooperation include technical manpower assistance, tertiary education, youth development, policing and security, cultural cooperation and exchanges, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, defense and intelligence, public communication, media and information exchanges, mining and mineral processing, land transportation, and health and medical sciences”, she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, furthe said that the signing of these MOUs was expected to propel the existing bilateral relations between Nigeria and Angola to a higher pedestal, enhancing mutual interest, strengthening domestic institutions, promoting economic and social growth, and building capacity for friendly countries.
According to her, the event marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries, which were established in 1975.
The minister expressed delight that the event became possible after over two decades of unfruitful efforts, noting that previous attempts to hold another session since the 4th session in Abuja in October 2001 were not successful.
She, however expressed satisfaction that the collective efforts by both sides have yielded results in the drafting and vetting of 19 MOUs, two Twinning Agreements between the Government of Bayelsa State (Nigeria) and the Province of Namibe (Angola), as well as the Twinning Agreement between the Government of Nasarawa State (Nigeria) and the Province of Bengo (Angola).
The minister disclosed that the Nigerian delegation looks forward to presenting several other vital issues for consideration, including cooperation and partnerships in human and natural resources development, technical manpower assistance, commencement of Nigerian airline carriers’ flight to Angola, and other Bilateral Air Services Matters.The signing of these MOUs is a significant step towards strengthening the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Angola, promoting economic cooperation, and enhancing mutual interest between the two countries.
It is expected to open up new opportunities for cooperation and collaboration in various areas, ultimately contributing to the economic and social growth of both nations.
