Luanda: Angola's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tete Antonio, and the Under-Secretary of State for the Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, Chris Elmore, have discussed issues related to multilateralism and the main challenges facing Africa.
According to Angola Press News Agency, in a telephone conversation on Wednesday, the Angolan Foreign Minister and the Under-Secretary of State for the Commonwealth reviewed the state of bilateral relations between the two nations and issues related to international peace and security, with a focus on the continent.
The minister reiterated that Angola considers the United Kingdom a relevant partner for economic diversification, investment mobilization, training of personnel, as well as for strengthening cooperation in the various sectors of the Angolan economy. Tete Antonio expressed Angola's willingness to structure a more pragmatic bilateral agenda, oriented towards concrete results and accompanied by effective monitoring mechanisms between the two Ministries responsible for diplomacy.
The two sides reaffirmed interest in deepening cooperation based on mutual respect, promoting multilateralism, African regional stability, and achieving tangible economic benefits for their respective countries and peoples. During the conversation, the Angolan Foreign Minister stressed that Angola will continue to prioritize the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, dialogue, the peaceful settlement of disputes, protection of civilians, and responsible international cooperation as fundamental pillars of its external action.
Regarding the health situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola expressed solidarity with the Congolese government and people, as well as the affected populations. The minister defended the need for a coordinated response between the DRC and neighboring countries, the WHO, the Africa CDC, and international partners, with a special focus on epidemiological surveillance, support for communities, protection of health professionals, and facilitating humanitarian assistance.
With regard to the situation in Sudan, Angola expressed deep concern about the continued deterioration of humanitarian and security conditions in that country. Minister Tete Ant³nio emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, guarantee of safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, as well as the promotion of an inclusive political solution, with the support of the African Union, the United Nations and regional partners.
The officials highlighted the importance of this telephone contact as an expression of the excellence of relations between Angola and the United Kingdom, reinforcing the commitment to maintain a regular and constructive dialogue on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest. The exchange also contributed to consolidating mutual trust and creating new opportunities for cooperation in strategic areas for the sustainable development of both countries.
