South Africa and Angola have agreed to sign a declaration that will see ordinary passport holders no longer needing visas to travel between the two countries, government news agency BuaNews reported on Tuesday.
It said that the declaration of intent would be signed on Wednesday when a South African delegation will be travelling to Angola for the joint commission for cooperation (JCC).
The JCC will also see two more agreements signed, focusing on the petroleum sector and the promotion of tourism.
Minerals and Energy Minister Buyelwa Sonjica and Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba will accompany the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma when she departs for the Angolan capital on Tuesday, BuaNews said.
It added that Dlamini-Zuma would co-chair the meeting with her Angolan counterpart, Foreign Minister João Bernardo de Miranda.
Since its establishment, the JCC has finalised agreements relating to agriculture, health and the exemption from visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders.
Other finalised agreements have related to promoting and protecting investments, a defence protocol, cooperation in the field of electricity and social assistance and reintegration.
The first South Africa-Angola JCC meeting took place four years ago in Pretoria.
Bordering the South Atlantic Ocean and nestled between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Namibia, Angola is one of the continent’s leaders in economic growth.
The country’s high growth has been driven by its oil sector, with record oil prices and rising petroleum production.
Oil production and its supporting activities contribute to about half of Angola’s gross domestic product and 90% of its exports.
A post-war reconstruction boom, following 27 years of civil war, and the resettlement of displaced persons, has led to high rates of growth in construction and agriculture as well. — I-Net Bridge