Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday congratulated Joao Lourenco on his election as Angola’s new president.
In his message, President Xi pledged to work together with the new leader in advancing China – Angola ties.
“I attach great importance to the development of China-Angola relations and stand ready to work with you to gain more achievements in advancing the China-Angola strategic partnership, so as to benefit the two countries and two peoples,” he said.
Angola’s electoral authority on Wednesday declared Lourenco the winner of the August 31st vote with 61.07 percent of the vote against his closest challenger, Isaías Samakuva, who garnered 26.67 percent.
The new president takes over from Jose Eduardo dos Santos who ruled the southern African nation for 38 years.
Before his election as president, Lourenco was Angola’s defense minister since 2014, having previously served as governor of the country’s largest province, Moxico.
Angola is one of Africa’s leading oil producers, but is known to import most of basic necessities.
“We’ll produce a better future for the country and the people of Angola,” Lourenco said in his first speck as president.
He is expected to take office on September21.
