By CHRISTINE MWAABA in Mongu –
THE newly built Angolan Consulate in Mongu, Western Province, has now been officially opened and will further help strengthen relations between Zambia and Angola.
The US$2 million Consulate was opened yesterday.
The Consulate was officially opened by the Angolan Secretary General – External Relations Eduardo De Jesus Beny.
Mr Beny said the opening of the Consulate was aimed at providing consular and administrative services to the Angolan nationals in Zambia, especially those in Western Province.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Mr Beny said there was so much business potential between Zambia and Angola.
He said one of the main drivers of the cordial diplomatic relations between Zambia and Angola was the newly constructed Mongu-Kalabo Road, which would connect the countries and facilitate the growth of business.
He welcomed the construction of the road, which would draw Angolans and Zambians living along the common border closer, especially that they speak similar languages.
He described the construction of the road as a fruitful project, that would serve as a better means of transport, than what had obtained in the past.
“The opportunities between the two countries are great and I know that this road (Mongo-Kalabo) will be in the books of both countries,” he said.
Mr Beny said the new Consulate would help increase the efficiency of diplomat access of Angola nationals in Zambia.
He thanked Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos and his Zambian counterpart, Edgar Lungu, for facilitating the construction of the new Consulate building.
Consulate contractor, Investment LTD Deng general manger Henan Guoji Guomin thanked Zambia and Angola for giving his company the opportunity to participate in the project.
Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Rayford Mbulu said the Consulate would help create business opportunities for the citizenry of both nations.
“The strength of our relationship continues to grow as this new consulate block will open administrative works that will provide a platform to exchanging ideas between the two countries,” he said.