Luanda, Jan. 14, 2025 (Lusa) - Angola's president, João Lourenço, said on Tuesday that political instability, wars and terrorism are phenomena that hinder Africa's socio-economic development and that he would engage in dialogue to bring peace to the continent during Angola's presidency of the African Union (AU).

João Lourenço will assume the rotating presidency of the AU during the 38th ordinary session of the AU Conference of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for 15 and 16 February.

When asked in Luanda about his strategy and priorities as the AU's leader, João Lourenço said he was committed to dialogue for stability and peace on the African continent.

"The strategy to be followed is one of dialogue, talking to everyone, and respecting the principles established by the African Union, to try to resolve the serious problems that our continent is unfortunately facing," he told journalists during a joint press conference with his counterpart from Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema.

According to Lourenço, political instability, wars, terrorism and unconstitutional seizures of power - which persist in Africa - "are phenomena that run counter to the economic and social development we want for our countries".

"Therefore, without peace, without stability, there is no economic development and, consequently, no solution to the social problems of the African populations," he said.

Angola and Equatorial Guinea signed three agreements today in agriculture, livestock and forestry, language and administrative training for Equato-Guinean officials and technical aeronautical cooperation.

The protocols, signed at the Presidential Palace in Luanda as part of the state visit to Angola by the president of Equatorial Guinea, are part of strengthening bilateral cooperation between Luanda and Malabo.

Both statesmen also emphasised the importance of the protocols signed to deepen relations between Luanda and Malabo.

The Ecuadorian-Guinean President began a 48-hour state visit to Angola today and was received with military honours at the Cidade Alta Presidential Palace in the Angolan capital.

According to a statement from the Angolan Foreign Ministry, the bilateral relationship between Angola and Equatorial Guinea is marked by historical, cultural and economic ties and common interests in the international African context.

DAS/ADB // ADB.

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