Luanda — The UK minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds, arrived on Wednesday in Luanda for a 24-hour working visit in Angola, under the strengthening of bilateral ties.

Speaking to Angop at Luanda's "4 de Fevereiro" International Airport, the diplomat said that the visit serves to strengthen political relations between the two countries and study business opportunities in the country and in Africa.

Mark Simmonds expressed satisfaction at visiting Angola for the first time as minister for Africa in representation of his country, after 2012 elections in the country.

According to him, the visit will enable to build a comprehensive relation with the Angolan Government.

Under the visiting agenda, the British official will analyse regional issues judging by the large economic growth being recorded in Angola, as well as security matters.

He will also discuss with the local authorities the investment, cooperation and exchange of experience.

Meanwhile, the cooperation in the field of investment in Africa and exchange of trade experience will top the visiting agenda.

During his stay Mark Simmonds will meet the ministers of Parliamentary Affairs and Oil, Rosa Luís Micolo and Botelho de Vasconcelos, respectively.

He will also meet Martyn Morris, the regional chairman of British Petroleum in Angola.