The President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, expressed the need to strengthen bilateral relations between his country and Africa in terms of technology and knowledge development this Saturday in the Angolan capital Luanda, and assured that both economies can grow together.
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Lula resumes cooperation between Brazil and Angola as part of his official visit
During a press conference at the end of a meeting with the Brazilian community, the head of state said there was “a culture where you always look to your rich cousin, to the richest countries.” For many, the relationship with Africa was considered problematic. There are 54 countries on the African continent that love Brazil and that is why we must rely on relations with these sister nations.”
The President recalled the non-existence of direct flights from Brazil to Africa and indicated that when he returned to Brasilia he would arrange a meeting with the airlines and the Ministry of Ports and Airports to discuss this issue.
I would like to discuss the fact that the country the size of Brazil does not have a direct voice on the African continent. When I come back to Brazil I will talk to the airlines, for example the Ministério dos Portos e Aeroportos. Let’s look for solutions to this problem.
— Lula (@LulaOficial)
August 26, 2023
“Let’s look for solutions to this problem,” said Lula da Silva, stressing that “Brazil must bet on relations with the African continent.” We have to bet on it, because our navy can serve just as well as our army, our aviation and our technology. We want to revitalize our shipbuilding industry. We can grow together,” he affirmed, after reflecting on the fact that “Brazil doesn’t just want to export to Africa.”
On the other hand, the Brazilian dignitary emphasized that “regardless of the size of the country or GDP (gross domestic product), we must be in Africa and represent our country.” Meanwhile, he announced that he would add African countries to his agenda to help others countries to visit.
They have capacities for the production of renovation, wind and solar energy. Who has more capacity to produce green hydrogen, Senão or Sul Global? That is why we must demand better conditions for our countries at the COP.
— Lula (@LulaOficial)
August 25, 2023
“Culture connects Brazil and Angola. We will re-host the African and Diaspora Intellectuals Conference, an event we have held in the past that will strengthen cultural ties on both sides of the Atlantic. Our cooperation will also be based on mutual cultural recognition,” he stressed.
Lula da Silva also confirmed the opening of a consulate in Luanda, a city that already has a Brazilian embassy. Around 30,000 Brazilians live in Angola.
During his activities this Saturday, Lula defended the renegotiation of African countries’ external debts with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and proposed turning that money into development investments. On the other hand, he again pushed for a reformulation of the UN Security Council.
I was very well received at the Guimarães Rosa Institute in Luanda, Angola, where I attended the inauguration of the Ovídio de Melo gallery as the diplomat responsible for Brazil’s recognition of Angola’s independence. Culture unites Brazil and Angola. Let’s relaunch the Intellectual Conferences… pic.twitter.com/CahyMxuU4y
— Lula (@LulaOficial)
August 26, 2023
This Saturday, the Brazilian President inaugurated, among other things, the Ovídio de Melo Gallery at the Guimarães Rosa Institute in Luanda, which will focus on cultural and recreational diplomacy and will be affiliated with the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Lula’s official visit to Angola follows his participation in the 15th Brics Leaders Summit, held from 22-24 August in Johannesburg, South Africa. During that meeting, already considered historic, the bloc consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China and the meeting’s host country announced the addition of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates to the alliance from January 2024, Saudi Arabia and Iran.