Luanda, Angola.-Angola”s Defense Minister, Joao Lourenzo, is beginning today a visit to the United States, as part of a tour that also includes Cuba, an official statement said.

Lourenzo’s stay in Washington aims to strengthening relations in the military field. He is accompanied by high ranking officers from the Ministry and the Angolan Armed Forces.

Lourenzo will visit Cuba on May 18th and 19th, where he will deliver President Raul Castro a message from his Angolan peer, Jose Eduardo dos Santos.

He will also seek to strengthen ties between Havana and Luanda.

Lourenzo is a presidential candidate by the ruling People’s Movement for Angola’s Liberation.