Luanda - Italy is interested to re-launch cooperation with Angola in economic, social and cultural sectors, including existing political partnership. 

The Italian ambassador to Angola, Giuseppe Mistretta, expressed his country's interest at the end of an audience granted by the Angolan prime minister, António Paulo Kassoma.

According to the diplomat, who is in Angola for the last three months, the bilateral relations with Angola are traditionally stronger and historic.

"The Italian presence in this country has always been very strong, even before the achievement of peace, represented by its Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)", explained Mistretta.

He recalled that the Angolan head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos, attended the G8 Summit (the world's most industrialised countries) at the invitation of Italy.

The diplomat expressed optimism about the presence of the Angolan president at the forthcoming United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO) Summit, to be held in Italy.

After congratulating the Angolan Government and people for the celebration of National Independence, November 11, the ambassador said he was very pleased with the political and economic progress in the country since  November 11, 1975.