Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her host, President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola, held bilateral talks followed by a joint press conference today, April 8, 2025. In addition to the high-level discussions, President Samia, who is scheduled to conclude her visit tomorrow, also addressed the Parliament of Angola, highlighting the brotherly ties between the two nations.
“Friendship is important, but it is especially important when it also helps to consolidate economic cooperation ties because the liberation struggle phase ended a long time ago, decades ago,” President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenco said during a press briefer with President Samia.
He continued: “Today, our mission as heads of state is to ensure the economic and social development of our countries. Therefore, we are in a different kind of struggle, and since in this world no one is alone, no one develops without engaging with other states, with other countries, we will, starting from today’s visit, seek to accelerate efforts to further deepen the economic cooperation ties between Angola and the United Republic of Tanzania.”
The two countries went on and signed MOUs of cooperation between investment agencies and have agreed to strengthen cooperation and exchange of knowledge and shared experience in other important sectors, including the minerals, oil, and gas sectors. It was noted that the two countries also signed an MOU for cooperation of the defense forces of the two countries.
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“I’m equally happy to note that our respective defense forces have also continued to maintain close relations, which was established since the struggle for independence,” President Samia said.
She continued:” Today, we have agreed to enhance these cherished relations through the Memorandum of Understanding in the field of defense that has been signed this afternoon. It is my firm desire to see enhanced engagements between the people of Angola and Tanzania, building on their rich history.”
Tanzania also reciprocated Angola’s move on visa-free movement by announcing an exemption of tourist visa for the citizens of the Republic of Angola to allow free movement. President Samia also extended an invitation to President Lourenco as a guest of honor in July 2025 during the inauguration of the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair.
