Luanda: Pakistan is looking to strengthen defense cooperation with Angola, primarily through training programs for personnel, the country's ambassador to the Southern African nation announced on Tuesday in Luanda. Speaking to reporters following an audience with the Minister of National Defense, Ex-Combatants, and Veterans of the Homeland, Lucio do Amaral, ambassador Naeem Khan described relations between the two nations as good and highlighted Angola's role in promoting peace, security, and stability across Africa, alongside Pakistan's position in South Asia.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Pakistan views Angola as a leading regional power and an important hub for Southern Africa, owing to its active role in continental peace and security efforts. Mr. Khan noted that bilateral cooperation could expand beyond defense into trade, politics, culture, art, education, and diplomacy under South-South cooperation frameworks.
In the military sphere, he highlighted training opportunities for Angolan students, teachers, and armed forces personnel in Pakistan, including specialized courses, joint exercises, and knowledge-sharing programs. "Angola has received an invitation from Pakistan for military personnel to travel to Pakistan for training, experience sharing, and participation in training courses," the ambassador said.
The diplomat also confirmed the possibility of Pakistani military personnel and specialists travelling to Angola to learn about and exchange defense expertise. Mr. Khan reported that both countries are preparing to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, describing the upcoming milestone as an opportunity to open a "new chapter" in bilateral ties.
On the economic front, he pointed to Pakistan's strong interest in Angolan commodities, including coffee, oil, gas, energy, and diamonds. The ambassador also noted that between 200 and 300 Pakistani citizens currently reside in Angola, highlighting key investments made by entrepreneurs from his country. As an example, he cited 50 million US dollars investment in Benguela province, where two food processing plants have been established.
He added that half a century of relations has allowed both nations to accumulate valuable experience, making this an opportune moment to transform cooperation into concrete actions, marked by an expanded Angolan presence in Pakistan and vice versa. Relations between Angola and Pakistan are friendly and have been strengthened in the economic, commercial, and public security fields.
