President Jacob Zuma, along with several members of his new Cabinet, will undertake his first State visit to Angola later this week in an effort to consolidate strategic bilateral and economic relations between the two countries.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation said on Monday that there was a growing sense that stronger relations between the two countries would be mutually beneficial not only at a political level, but also for the private sector.

The department noted that there was “massive interest” by South Africa’s private sector to get involved in the reconstruction process of Angola, as it had tremendous resources.

Angola, on the other hand, viewed South Africa’s human resources potential and its strong infrastructure as added benefits in the relationship, the department added.

Zuma would hold bilateral, political and economic discussions with Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos.

It was expected that the two countries would sign an agreement to establish a binational commission, as well as an agreement on regular diplomatic consultations.

A number of other important agreements and Memorandums of Understanding would likely be signed in various areas.

The Presidents would also discuss the forthcoming Southern African Development Community Summit, to be held in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the political situation in the region.

The delegation to Angola would include International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Home Affairs Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Sport and Recreation Minister Makhenkesi Stofile, Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan, Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies, Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu, Evaluation and Monitoring Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane, Energy Minister Dipuo Peters, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele and Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale.

Senior officials from various government departments and the largest business delegation to take part in a State visit since 1994 would also join the President.

A business conference would be held on the sidelines of the State visit, with both Angolan and South African companies attending.