Malabo: Angolan president Joo Louren§o highlighted on Saturday in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, the progress achieved during Angola's presidency of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OASCP), emphasizing the strengthening of strategic partnerships, institutional modernization, and the affirmation of a new cooperation model.
According to Angola Press News Agency, during the organization's XI Summit, the Head of State stressed that Angola's term saw the renewal and deepening of the partnership with the European Union, materialized with the signing of the Samoa Agreement, which entered into force in a timely manner. This agreement facilitated the first Joint Parliamentary Assembly between the two organizations in Luanda, marking a milestone in consolidating relations based on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a convergent strategic ambition.
Joo Louren§o also highlighted that Angola's presidency promoted the redefinition of the bilateral cooperation model, focusing on concrete and measurable results for citizens, with an emphasis on youth as a catalyst for sustainable economic transformation. The involvement of young people is considered central in addressing climate and energy challenges amidst multiple global crises.
The statesman discussed the strategic shift from an assistance partnership model to a strategic approach between regions with shared global responsibilities, advocating for a more balanced and dynamic multilateralism. Institutionally, the creation and operationalization of the Troika were noted for ensuring greater political participation at the highest level on sensitive organizational issues.
Louren§o recalled the collective stance on the crisis in Haiti, expressed through a declaration acknowledging member states' contributions to a multinational mission supporting security in the country. He called for strengthened United Nations involvement to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of international efforts.
The president underscored the creation of the OASCP Champion for Financial Resource Mobilization role, assumed by King Mswati III of Eswatini, aimed at diversifying funding sources and reducing structural vulnerabilities of the organization. In terms of internal governance, Louren§o spoke of advancements in modernizing the OASCP's institutional structure, ensuring the Secretariat's regular functioning under Moussa Saleh Batraki, and reinforcing financial discipline, transparency, and accountability.
He expressed confidence in the Secretary-General's leadership and commitment to implementing a new strategic orientation focused on financial sustainability and institutional efficiency. The Head of State emphasized the importance of unity and coordinated action among States to promote peace, stability, global economic functionality, environmental protection, and respect for International Law.
Louren§o warned of persisting practices aimed at controlling strategic natural resources, such as oil, gas, and critical minerals, which continue to influence intervention dynamics globally. Reflecting on historical colonial experiences, he noted that motivations for controlling and exploiting resources persist in the 21st century, often justified with varied arguments that lead to military interventions worldwide.
The 11th OACPS Summit gathered Heads of State and Government from member countries to evaluate the organization's trajectory and define new strategies for strengthening cooperation between Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. The meeting in Malabo marked the end of Angola's presidency, with a handover to a new leader. The group, founded on June 6, 1975, in Georgetown, Guyana, aimed to strengthen ties with Europe among countries with a shared colonial history. It was renamed in 2019 as the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, with Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, former Angolan Minister of Foreign Affairs, serving as Secretary-General.
