LUANDA, January 13, 2014 - The World Bank's Vice President for Africa, Makhtar Diop, will visit Angola from January 15 -16, 2014 for development talks with President José Eduardo dos Santos, the Ministers of Finance, Planning and Territorial Development, and the Governor of the Angolan Central Bank. 

Mr. Diop's visit, the first by an Africa regional Vice President since 2007, reflects the World Bank Group (WBG)'s strong commitment to revitalizing its relationship with Angola and supporting its long-term development priorities.

In its recent Country Partnership Strategy for Angola (2014-17), the World Bank Group (WBG) committed its support to Angola's transition to the Bank's IBRD or middle-income borrowing status, which will unlock potential for more extensive future collaboration. The Vice President's visit comes several months after successful talks with the Angola government at the WBG's Annual Meetings held in Washington in October 2013.

In addition to meeting the Angolan President and key Ministers, Mr. Diop will hold a press conference with local, regional and international media on Thursday, January 16th.

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