Stockholm — Sweden will open this year a commercial office in its Embassy in Angola, aimed at reinforcing the relations in this domain between both countries.

According to the Swedish Trade minister, Ewa Björling, this office will be under the responsibility of the Swedish Trade Council.

"By opening a commercial office in Luanda, we will have the opportunity to reinforce and develop our trade relations in Angola. It will give us a chance to contribute to a greater growth, both in Angola and in Sweden", she said.

The Swedish official also stated that her government appointed last October Sandra Dias dos Santos Skogar as the trade commissioner in Angola.

An official source from the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that the new commercial office will be inaugurated by Ewa Björling, who started an official visit to Angola last Sunday, a tour that will take her to other three Southern African countries, namely Zambia, Botswana and South Africa.

The Swedish delegation that is visiting Angola also comprises the representatives of the Swedish Trade Council, the Swedish cooperation fund for industrial development and various entrepreneurs.

Angola and Sweden have had diplomatic and cooperation relations for more than 30 years.

The two countries also have historic ties that date back since the Angolan struggle for national liberation.

Sweden supported the struggle for Angola's independence and it was one of the first countries to recognise it.