China is expected to play a further role in the economic diversification of Angola, especially in the agricultural, mining and fishing sectors, said the Angolan Ambassador to China, Garcia Bires. He was speaking on Saturday in Beijing, ahead of this week’s visit of the Angolan President, José Eduardo dos Santos, to China.

According to Angolan news agency Angop, Mr Bires also told reporters that during Mr dos Santos’ visit to China, an economic forum would be held to discuss new areas of bilateral co-operation.

The diplomat also announced Angola would open a General Consulate in Guangdong province within months, to meet demand from Angolan businessmen, Angop reported. Currently, there are about 50 Angolan people travelling to China per week for commercial purposes, the media outlet added.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, in Luanda, Angolan Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Manuel Augusto said President dos Santos’ visit to China was “very important”. Mr Augusto added – as quoted by Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua – that adjustments to Angolan Government spending in the light of the current economic and financial situation were also likely to be discussed.

According to Portuguese news agency Lusa, the Angolan head of State is due to arrive in Beijing on Monday, but the official program of events will only start on Tuesday. Besides meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, Mr dos Santos will also meet Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang, as well as the Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Yu Zhengsheng.