Brazzaville, 04/11 – Angolan minister of Geology and Mining, Manuel António Africano, Thursday in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, defended the need of the two countries to design a common juridical framework that serves the interests of the two peoples in the domain of mine exploration.

The minister, who was addressing the opening of bilateral talks on cooperation between the two countries in the domain of geology and mining, stressed as fundamental the definition of features of the economic partnership in theses fields, within the objectives of the African Diamonds Producers Association (ADPA).

He also said that Angola has so far signed accords with South Africa and DR Congo, adding that talks are underway with Namibia, with the same purpose.

In his turn, the Congolese minister of Mining, Mining Industries and Geology, Pierre Oba, underlined that a cooperation accord in this domain would lead to the reinforcement of existing ties in the various areas of the economic cooperation.

After stressing that Africa produces 60 percent of the world’s diamonds, Kourouma noted that before the creation of ADPA, the continent was not considered when decisions on production were made.

With its headquarters in Angola, ADPA groups 18 countries. Its executive secretary is Angolan Edgar Carvalho. The organisation’s next council of ministers will take place in May this year in South Africa.