Hong Kong plays an important role in Sino-Angolan ties, the Consul-General of Angola in Hong Kong, Cupertino Gourgel, recently told Chinese newspaper China Daily. He also mentioned the possibility of the two territories being linked by direct flights in the future.

“In view of the increased tourist and business-related traffic on both sides, [Mr] Gourgel doesn’t rule out the opening of a Luanda-Hong Kong direct air route in the near future,” China Daily wrote in a special report on the 40th anniversary of Angola’s independence.

According to the Chinese media outlet, the Angolan Consul-General noted that over the past five years young Angolans have been arriving in Hong Kong in unprecedented numbers. The diplomat also stressed the significant increase in trade between Hong Kong and Angola.

“China is a strategic partner for the development of Angola, with policy well-defined between both countries. Naturally, the Hong Kong SAR [Special Administrative Region] has a pivotal role in this accord,” he added.