Both China and Angola have expressed “satisfaction” about the results of Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos’ visit to China, Angolan news agency ANGOP reported. The visit ended on Saturday.

The news outlet cited a statement of the Angolan government saying bilateral co-operation “has recorded a positive evolution”, and adding that both nations have signed agreements in different areas, from energy to civil aviation.

According to Chinese media, the two nations signed eight agreements last week, including a deal in which China’s state-owned Industrial and Commercial Bank (ICBC) agreed to provide an US$840-million loan for an Angolan power project.

The statement added both countries would continue to boost co-operation in areas such as “industry, agriculture, fisheries, transport, energy and telecommunications”. Mr dos Santos also asked Beijing last week for a two-year freeze in its debt repayments to China.

Meanwhile, English-language newspaper China Daily on Saturday published a column by China’s Ambassador to Angola, Gao Kexiang, saying Mr do Santos’ visit has given “strong impetus to the future development of the China-Angola relationship”.

“The China-Angola relationship is a microcosm of the fast-developing China-Africa relationship, as well as a reflection of China’s efforts in integrating with the world and sharing its influence,” he added.