Angolan President João Lourenço urged South Africa to help resolve the instability in Mozambique due to election disputes. During his state visit, he emphasized the need for dialogue among parties involved and proposed collaborative efforts to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors, highlighting the importance of strengthening cooperation between Angola and South Africa.
During a state visit to South Africa, Angolan President João Lourenço emphasized the importance of addressing the ongoing instability in Mozambique, urging South Africa to take the lead in facilitating a regional solution. Speaking at the Union Buildings in Pretoria after a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, he expressed his desire to foster communication and collaboration between the two nations to address crises affecting their region.
President Lourenço specifically highlighted concerns over the aftermath of Mozambique’s recent elections, where one party has refused to accept the results, creating a serious political impasse. He called for dialogue among the involved parties to resolve these tensions amicably.
Furthermore, President Lourenço underscored the historically significant cooperation between Angola and South Africa, which has been ongoing since 1998. He noted the need to reassess existing agreements to enhance their functionality and effectiveness in fostering bilateral relations. Key areas for potential collaboration include immigration, natural resources, health, and education.
Acknowledging the growing South African investments in Angola, the President recognized the positive contributions of large companies from South Africa, which have brought substantial value to sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and logistics. The visit and discussions between the two leaders aim to solidify the partnership and address pressing regional issues together.
The recent call for assistance from Angola to South Africa comes in the wake of significant political unrest in Mozambique, primarily stemming from post-election disputes. The political landscape in Mozambique has been tense since the last general elections, where a faction has refused to accept the outcome, leading to instability. Angola, with its historical ties and regional influence, seeks to play a role in mitigating these tensions and promoting peace and dialogue. This visit marks a crucial moment in strengthening bilateral relations, particularly as both nations recognize the need for cooperation on broader regional issues.
In conclusion, President João Lourenço’s visit to South Africa highlights the critical need for regional cooperation to address the political instability in Mozambique. Through a commitment to dialogue and reevaluation of existing agreements, Angola and South Africa aim to enhance their partnership and work together towards fostering peace and stability in the Southern African region. This collaborative approach not only seeks immediate solutions but also promotes long-term stability and development between the two nations.
Original Source: www.thezimbabwemail.com
