Singapore requests for Angola to waive visa arrangements

SINGAPORE - Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Home Affairs, Masagos Zulkifli, called on Angola's Minister of External Relations Georges Rebelo, Pinto Chicoti, to favourably consider visa waiver arrangements for Singapore.

Mr Masagos was in the Republic of Angola from Jun 1 to 3. During the meeting, the two ministers also discussed strategies to enhance bilateral and economic relations between Singapore and Angola.

They agreed to commence negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty, avoidance of double taxation agreement and an air services agreement.

During his visit, Mr Masagos also met Minister of Transport Augusto da Silva Tomas, Minister of Industry Bernarda Goncalves Martins Henriques, Minister of Trade Rosa Escorio Pacavira de Matos, Minister of Economy Abrahao Pio dos Santos Gourgel, and Secretary of State for Housing and Urban Planning Nhanga Calunga de Assuncao.

The ministers discussed ways to expand co-operation in the aviation, port and urban planning sectors.

Mr Masagos also welcomed Angolan ministers and officials to visit Singapore to learn from Singapore's developmental experience as a city.

On Jun 2, Mr Masagos delivered the opening address at the Singapore-Angola Business Forum, organised by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and the Angolan Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote business opportunities in both countries.

Representatives from 13 Singapore companies are visiting Angola on a SBF-led business mission. Mr Masagos also met with Board Members of Sonangol, Angola's state oil company, over dinner to explore further economic co-operation in the oil and gas industry.

Mr Masagos departs for Mozambique on the second leg of a visit to southern Africa.

stephluo@sph.com.sg