Luanda: Angola and the European Union (EU) discussed the enhancement of their cooperation, focusing on the Lobito Corridor and increased European private sector involvement in diversifying Angola's economy. This discussion occurred during a meeting between Angola's Minister of Foreign Affairs, T©te Ant³nio, and the EU Ambassador to Angola, Ros¡rio Paes, who was marking the end of her mission in the country.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the meeting reviewed the Angola-EU partnership and assessed prospects for deepening relations, emphasizing the creation of favorable conditions for European investment and the development of value chains. The discussions also focused on promoting partnerships in productive sectors. The Lobito Corridor was highlighted for its potential in regional connectivity, trade, industrialization, and value chain development, with an emphasis on continued cooperation and European private sector involvement.
Minister T©te Ant³nio recognized Ambassador Ros¡rio Paes for her contributions to maintaining a constructive political dialogue and enhancing cooperation and investment initiatives between Angola and the EU. He particularly noted the achievements during her tenure, which included the intensification of the Angola-EU partnership under the Global Gateway, the Lobito Corridor's development, and the 7th African Union-European Union Summit in Luanda. T©te Ant³nio expressed gratitude on behalf of Angola's government for Ambassador Paes's collaboration and wished her success in her future diplomatic endeavors.
Ambassador Ros¡rio Paes conveyed her appreciation for the cooperation with Angolan authorities and reaffirmed the EU's commitment to its relationship with Angola, expressing confidence in the partnership's continued growth.
The Angola-EU relationship, rooted in the 1980s through cooperation with the then European Economic Community, has evolved from development and humanitarian assistance to a comprehensive partnership. This partnership now encompasses political dialogue, trade, investment, and sustainable development. The Angola-European Union Joint Way Forward agreement elevated this relationship, covering issues like peace, security, governance, human rights, and more.
From 2021 to 2027, the partnership focuses on strengthening state capacities, job creation, and economic diversification, aiming to reduce oil dependency and promote sustainable development. The EU's Global Gateway strategy has reinforced this economic and strategic partnership, with investments in infrastructure, energy, digital connectivity, and more. The Lobito Corridor stands out as a key project, enhancing connectivity and trade, particularly in sectors related to critical minerals.
A significant milestone in this partnership is the entry into force of the Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement on September 1, 2024. This agreement is the first of its kind between the EU and a partner country and marks a new phase in Angola-EU relations.
