Cabo Verde Strengthens Defence Ties with Angola, Seeks Military Aviation Training

Luanda: Cabo Verde's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Communities and National Defence, Manuel da Rosa, announced on Thursday that the country intends to strengthen defence cooperation with Angola, focusing on the training of officers and military aviation specialists. The minister was speaking to journalists after a courtesy meeting with Angola's Minister of Defence and Veterans' Affairs, Lúcio do Amaral, during which bilateral defence cooperation was discussed. According to Angola Press News Agency, Manuel da Rosa emphasized the necessity to revitalize and diversify the historical ties between Cabo Verde and Angola to usher in a new phase of bilateral relations. He highlighted the importance of moving forward with the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations, which he described as based on solidarity and trust. Among the priorities identified by Cabo Verde, the training of its officers was underscored as an area of significant cooperation between the countries. Manuel da Rosa recalled that Angola had recently trained 50 officers from the Cabo Verdean Armed Forces, including in the field of medicine. He further noted that military aviation is emerging as a new area of interest for Cabo Verde, particularly to enhance surveillance of its vast maritime zone. In this context, the minister discussed the potential for Angola to support Cabo Verde in training pilots, maintenance technicians, and other specialists.