Angola Strengthens Bilateral Ties with Nigeria on Aviation, as Keyamo Receives Delegation in Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024, hosted the Angolan Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr José Bamoquina Zau, and his deputy, Nelson Paulo Kafikiri, at his office in Abuja, a diplomatic move aimed at enhancing aviation cooperation between the two African countries.
The visit marked a pivotal moment as both nations expressed a shared commitment to boost bilateral ties in the aviation sector, particularly as Angola embarks on a transformative era for its aviation industry.
Conveying highlights of the visit in a statement, Tunde Moshood, Special Assistant on Media and Communications to Keyamo disclosed that the Angolan delegation provided positive updates on the country’s recent advancements in aviation, with special emphasis on the overhaul of its airport infrastructure.
Ambassador Zau informed Minister Keyamo that Angola is poised to inaugurate a new, strategically positioned airport within the next month.
He said the new airport is expected to play a vital role in the region, enhancing air travel connectivity and fostering economic growth.
Delivering a message on behalf of the Angolan Minister of Transport, Ricardo de Abreu, Ambassador Zau extended warm greetings and reiterated Angola’s eagerness to collaborate with Nigeria.
He emphasised the potential to harness Nigeria’s wealth of experience in aviation, stating, “The Honourable Minister of Transport is keen to build a synergy between both nations and is eager to tap into the wealth of experience of Nigeria’s aviation leadership.”
Discussions during the meeting highlighted Angola’s interest in exploring a bilateral air services agreement with Nigeria, as well as other mutually beneficial opportunities.
These would include collaboration in aviation business ventures and infrastructure development to bolster both nations’ capacities in the industry.
In a gesture of goodwill, Ambassador Zau formally invited Minister Keyamo to attend the grand opening of Angola’s new airport next month, stressing the importance of this event in further cementing the partnership between the two countries.
He noted that deeper cooperation would bring substantial gains to both nations, particularly in areas related to aviation infrastructure and business development.
According to the statement, Keyamo responded by congratulating the Angolan government on its remarkable achievements in aviation.
He expressed his enthusiasm for attending the upcoming event and assured Angola of Nigeria’s willingness to work closely on strengthening air connectivity and exploring new business opportunities.
In preparation for the Minister’s visit and the potential for collaboration, Minister Keyamo has established a technical committee to work alongside the Angolan Embassy’s team.
The committee will oversee logistical arrangements and facilitate seamless coordination, ensuring the meeting’s outcomes translate into meaningful partnerships.
The meeting reaffirms the commitment of both Nigeria and Angola to expanding their aviation sectors, with an eye on forging a prosperous and mutually beneficial relationship in the future.
