Lobito - The European Union (EU) granted over 20 million Euros to be reimbursed in the next four years in the country.

João Gabriel Ferreira, EU ambassador to Angola, disclosed the information to ANGOP on Monday in Lobito city, central Benguela province.

The EU ambassador, who visited the Angolan NGO "Omunga", one that implements social projects in Lobito district funded by the European Union in Angola, considers landmines clearance as an action that enables the free circulation of people, and at the same time allows socio-economic development.

According to the diplomat, actions being carried out by the Angolan government and its partners, relating to demining, are enabling the free circulation of the population and goods nationwide, something that to him boosts the re-launch of the country's economy.

Apart from landmines clearance, the EU is also financing water and basic sanitation projects, which are estimated at 17 million Euros.

The ambassador considers water and basic sanitation projects as important because they are meant for the population's wellbeing, mainly of those in rural areas.

He stated that the European Union cooperates with the Angolan government to solve some of the social problems of the population since the 80s decade, an era when efforts were mainly focussed on humanitarian aid and at the moment it is contributing to the reconstruction and development of the country

Ambassador João Ferreira considers Angola's socio-economic growth positive and praises the work being carried out in various sectors.