Luanda, May 16 (RHC/PL)-- Angola's Defense Minister and presidential candidate, Joao Lourenço, began a three-day official visit to the United States on Tuesday, as part of a tour that also includes Cuba, according to an Angolan statement.

The visit to Washington is to discuss defense co-operation. The Angolan minister is accompanied by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Manuel Augusto, and a delegation of senior officers and officials from the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) and the Defense Ministry.

Minister Lourenço will visit Cuba on May 18th and 19th. The Angolan leader will deliver a message from Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos to President Raul Castro in Havana.

Joao Lourenço is a presidential candidate for the ruling People's Movement for Angola's Liberation.