Algiers: The President of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, announced on Monday in Algiers the opening of a direct air connection between the Algerian and Angolan capitals, starting July this year. This move is part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the announcement was made following the signing ceremony of 11 cooperation agreements during the state visit of Angolan President Joo Louren§o to Algeria. The visit was made at the invitation of President Tebboune. The new air route between Algiers and Luanda aims to facilitate economic and commercial exchanges and bring the two peoples closer together, as both nations seek to elevate their bilateral relations.
President Tebboune expressed Algeria's commitment to deepening cooperation with Angola, particularly in supporting Angolan development by focusing on staff training and consolidating strategic partnerships across various sectors. The visit allowed for an assessment of bilateral cooperation and the establishment of foundations for a strategic partnership.
The two countries have agreed to intensify cooperation in sectors such as hydrocarbons, agriculture, industry, pharmacy, renewable energies, digitalization, health, and training. They also plan to strengthen mechanisms for experience exchange. The role of the Bilateral Mixed Commission and the newly created Business Council between Angola and Algeria was emphasized, with hopes of encouraging cooperation between economic operators from both countries.
During his address, President Tebboune expressed satisfaction with the agreements signed between the government delegations, noting that the legal instruments will enhance the cooperation framework and open new horizons for bilateral relations. On a regional and international level, he advocated for strengthened African cooperation to maintain peace and stability on the continent and combat terrorism and organized crime.
He also praised Angolan President Joo Louren§o's efforts in resolving conflicts in Africa, particularly in the Great Lakes region, and acknowledged his actions during the African Union's rotating presidency. President Tebboune reiterated his support for enhancing African economic integration, especially through the African Continental Free Trade Area, advocating for greater complementarity among the continent's countries.
The relationship between Angola and Algeria dates back to the National Liberation Struggle when Algeria provided support to Angolan nationalist movements. Diplomatic relations were established in 1976, followed by the signing of the General Agreement on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation in 1983. Since then, both countries have strengthened partnerships across various sectors, including energy and education, and have intensified political consultations and bilateral contacts, marked by the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding on a permanent Political Consultation Mechanism.