Ramaphosa Reaffirms South Africa's Commitment To Partnership With Angola

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed South Africa's dedication in strengthening its partnership with Angola, with a focus on economic growth, continental integration and sustainable development.

Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço was in South Africa for a State Visit at the Union Buildings in Tshwane, where Ramaphosa awarded his counterpart the Order of South Africa, honoring as a distinguished member of the country's National Orders, SA News reported.

Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, Ramaphosa expressed South Africa's interest in attracting more Angolan investors to the South African economy, noting that it will lead to mutual growth, economic integration across the continent, and sustainable development.

Ramaphosa also mentioned that the governments are working on structural economic reforms in both countries to improve the investment climate and make it easier to do business.

Regarding bilateral cooperation, the South African President explained that the two countries agreed to review their existing agreements and Memoranda of Understanding.

Since establishing formal diplomatic relations, Angola and South Africa have signed more than 44 agreements, which are at different stages of implementation. The president stated that this review is important to strengthen their strategic partnership in the future.

Ramaphosa praised his counterpart for his efforts in mediating between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, highlighting his role as President of the International Conference on the Great Lakes and as Facilitator of the Luanda Process.

The president expressed concern over the worsening situation in Sudan and the resulting humanitarian crisis, noting that both South Africa and Angola are deeply troubled by the situation. President Lourenço is a member of the African Union's Presidential Ad-Hoc Committee for Sudan.

Ramaphosa expressed South Africa's full support for efforts to end the conflict in Sudan. He also shared concerns about the post-election crisis in Mozambique and emphasized the need for both countries to work together to improve the region's response to peace and security challenges in Africa.

He congratulated Lourenço on his re-election and noted that this has been a year with significant elections across the continent, including in Angola and South Africa.

Furthermore, the president expressed his optimism about the state of multiparty democracy in Africa, which he believes is strong and healthy.

Ramaphosa also praised SADC for supporting democratic processes through election observer missions and for offering valuable recommendations on future electoral processes.