Angola President and Chairperson of the African Union, Joao Lourenco, received Abdou Abarry, Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Central Africa, in Luanda on Friday.

The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and addressing peace and security issues across the region.

The UN envoy praised Angola's pivotal role under President Lourenço, praising the country as a 'provider of solutions' in Central Africa.

"I would like to state here the exemplary nature of the support I have received from the Angolan President and Angolan diplomacy. Among the eleven countries of Central Africa, Angola has been a provider of solutions, thanks to the wisdom and tact of the President of the Republic, who has participated in many peace processes – to name just a few, whether in the Central African Republic, in Sao Tome, or, even more importantly, the crisis striking the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo," highlighted Abarry. 

The discussions addressed several regional issues, notably the escalating crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

"I spoke to the President of the Republic, encouraging him – now that he holds the responsibility of Acting Chairperson of the African Union – to continue with the same [spirit], the same determination, and the same commitment, the defence of our continent's interests wherever the need may be." 

With President Lourenço assuming the chair of the African Union, Abarry called on Angolan leadership to continue its diplomatic momentum "with the same spirit, determination, and commitment in defending our continent's interests wherever needed."