Luanda – The Prime Minister of  Sao Tome and Principe, Joaquim Rafael Branco, Wednesday left Luanda, after a two-day official visit to Angola, intended to strengthen cooperation and friendship ties between the two peoples.

 
At Luanda's “4 de Fevereiro” International Airport, Rafael Branco was seen off by his Angolan counterpart and host, Paulo Kassoma, Foreign Affairs minister, Assunção dos Anjos, and by other government members and officials from diplomatic representatives of Sao Tome and Principe.

 
During his stay in Angola, the head of Sao-Tome’s government was received by the President, José Eduardo dos Santos and Angolan premier, during which he thanked for the support extended by the Angolan government and authorities, despite global economic crisis affecting the nations.

 
After inviting the Angolan entrepreneurs to invest in his country, Branco expressed his country's intention to cooperate with Angola in domains of hydrocarbon (oil exploration), housing and environment. 

 
Joaquim Rafael Branco, who belongs to Liberation Movement of Sao Tome and Principe, took office on 21 June, 2008, at the head of coalition government also made up of Democratic Convergence Party and Democratic Movement of Force for Change.