Luanda: Angolan president Joo Louren§o received So Tome and Principe Prime Minister Americo D'Oliveira dos Ramos in an audience on Thursday, during which they discussed issues related to the two countries' friendly and cooperative relations. During the meeting, which lasted about an hour, the two sides also analyzed topics of regional interest, with emphasis on Southern and Central Africa, as well as international issues.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the relations between Angola and So Tom© and Prncipe are characterized as solid, strategic, and multifaceted, with a strong historical basis and a growing focus on economic cooperation, maritime security, technical training, and regional integration in the Gulf of Guinea. Traditionally considered excellent, bilateral relations are based on a common language, historical ties, geographical proximity, and converging economic and political interests.
Cooperation between the two States is supported by the General Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation, signed in 1978, and the Bilateral Joint Commission created in 1980. Over the years, more than two dozen agreements have been signed. The bilateral cooperation includes facilitation of movement and intense mobility of citizens, reflecting a relationship of political brotherhood and South-South cooperation. On the political level, regular consultations and bilateral commissions have strengthened diplomatic coordination and the alignment of positions in regional and international forums.
In recent years, the two countries have sought to redefine their cooperation strategy, expanding investments and connectivity to boost existing agreements and strengthen the economic and maritime aspects. Economic cooperation is being extended to strategic sectors such as offshore oil and gas, transport and logistics, tourism, trade and investment, agriculture and fisheries, the maritime economy, energy, and finance. Angola is seen as a relevant partner in So Tome and Prncipe's economic investment and capacity building.
Angola maintains support for the training of So Tom© and Prncipe's personnel, as well as cooperation in the fields of education, public administration, and health. Recent partnerships include joint initiatives to respond to health emergencies on the African continent. Maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea is also a shared priority. Cooperation includes defense, military training, and combating transnational crime, in a context where maritime stability is considered strategic for both countries.
Despite the good political and institutional framework, authorities from both countries recognize that the implementation of some agreements could be improved, aiming to make cooperation more effective and results-oriented.
