RUSSIA AND ANGOLA
to strengthen bilateral
relationship
In an exclusive interview with our Publisher, Cyril Tchoudja , the former Deputy Minister of Geology and Mining of Angola and now the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Angola in the Russian Federation, H.E Samuel Tito Armando talked about his work, his impressions of Russia, and about the history and long traditional links which bind the two countries
[04.10.2008]
Q: -What are you r impressions about Russia since you r arrival?
My arrival two years ago was not the first time I came in Moscow. I came the first time in August 1978 to study in the former Soviet Union at the People’s Friendshi p University, the second time in 1985 for specialization in geology and business management where I got a higher education and the third time in 2006 to serve as ambassador of my country. When I arrived on my present assignment, I could therefore make comparisons I was quite amazed with the progress achieved.
Construction sites are numerous, hypermarkets and business centers multi plied…I am impressed by the manner in which Russia has been able to rebuild itself and raise the morale of its people after the Soviet union had broken up and many states came into being. I have also many Russians friends who help me to accomplish my mission here; I am also impressed by the dynamism of the African Community here in Russia… Q: -What are you r country’s main priorities and how these featu re in you r di plomatic work?
Angola and Russia signed a series of agreements on cooperation in energy and water, mines, fishing and petroleum fields… We have signed also an accord on military cooperation aimed at promoting the relationshi p between the two countries and bilateral cooperation in the military technology and training of military cadres. The history of close and friendly cooperation between Angola and the former Soviet Union started more than 42 years ago, when Angolans started their war against Portuguese colonizators.
The Soviet Union gave the Angolan People substantial support in their long –lasting struggle for independence from colonizers. Angola has considered the Soviet Union and its successor Russia its key partner. So my main task as ambassador is to continue to expand these ties. Developing and strengthening the economic relations between my country and Russia is my top priority.
Q: -In efforts to enhance mutual economic cooperation and business partnershi p between Angola and Russia, what mechanisms or important policies has the Angolan government put in place to make this possible? Tell us how favorable the investment plicies are in the country.
In an effort to make Angola the preferred destination for investment, continuous improvements are being made by the government of President Eduardo Dos Santos towards the creation of an enabling environment. The comprehensive economic and political reform measu res undertaken since 1991 have progressively brought an efficient economic management and a framework for a dynamic high growth economy.
Solid investment laws have been passed to protect investor interests. The amendments to the constitutional Law introduced in March 1991 were mainly aimed at creating the requisite constitutional framework for the establishment of multi party democracy, broadening recognition and guarantees of the fundamental rights and freedom of citizens, and constitutionally enshrining the basic princi ples of a market Economy Angola would have parliamentary elections on September 5, this election represents an unprecedented step towards the normalization of the political life in Angola as the country recovers from the 27-year civil war that ended in 2002.
Q: -How would you sum of the Cu rrent Angola- Russia relations and the futu re prospects?
As I stated already, the cu rrent Angolan – Russia relations is very cordial. The two countries have always maintained contacts on domestic, regional and international issues of mutual interest Angola and Russia enjoy cooperation in the areas of education, military cooperation, fisheries, mining, research and training of Angolans in various fields.
The visit president Eduardo Dos Santos paid to Russia two years ago brought a fresh impetus to fu rther develop and strengthen economic and trade relations between the two countries. Russian companies have shown keen interests to the following sectors: platinum, diamonds extraction and processing, energy, geology, transport and tou rism.
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