Luanda: The outgoing Turkish ambassador to Angola, Mahammet Musta§ ‡elik, stated that the level of relations between Trkiye and Angola is positive and reiterated the Turkish government's commitment to enhance bilateral economic, diplomatic, and political cooperation. The ambassador made these remarks in Luanda after a farewell audience with the President of the Republic, Joo Louren§o, marking the end of his two-year mission in the country.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the diplomat expressed gratitude for the support received from Angolan authorities and the public during his tenure and highlighted the opportunity to serve in a country with promising development prospects. During his meeting with the Angolan President, discussions focused on the state of bilateral relations, emphasizing a mutual interest in accelerating and deepening cooperation in political and economic domains.
The ambassador advocated for increased Turkish investment in Angola, citing the country's economic potential, and encouraged Turkish entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in the Angolan market. In the political sphere, he noted a convergence of positions between Luanda and Ankara on issues of regional and international peace and stability and acknowledged Angola's significant role within the African Union.
He also highlighted the strong relations between the Angolan Head of State and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as the cooperative relationship between diplomats from both nations, which contributes to the ongoing enhancement of bilateral cooperation.
Diplomatic relations between Angola and Trkiye, established on July 9, 1980, are progressing positively with strengthened economic, political, and institutional cooperation. Trkiye recognized Angola after its independence in 1975 and opened its embassy in Luanda in 2010. Angola followed suit by inaugurating a diplomatic mission in Ankara in 2013 and further expanded its presence by establishing a consulate general in 2023.
Bilateral cooperation has intensified since 2008 with the signing of economic and technical agreements and is currently considered high-level, supported by mutual efforts. The partnerships cover a wide array of sectors including trade and investment, agriculture and fishing, oil and gas, industry and construction, education, culture, defense and security, science and technology, air transport, and energy.
Economically, Turkish presence in Angola is prominent in industries such as civil construction, education, and trade. The trade volume between the two countries has grown significantly, reaching approximately 212 million US dollars in 2019. Turkish companies are also involved in projects related to steelmaking and mining.
Institutionally, the two nations have established mechanisms like the Joint Commission on Trade and Economic and Technical Cooperation and various memoranda of understanding to regulate cooperation in specific sectors. On a political-diplomatic level, Luanda and Ankara maintain aligned positions on peace and stability, advocate for multilateralism, and engage in regular dialogue between leaders and government authorities.
