Algiers: Angolan and Algerian authorities reinforced this week mechanisms for strengthening bilateral cooperation during the three-day state visit paid by the Angolan president Joo Louren§o at the invitation of his counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune. During the visit, the two Heads of State held official meetings and private conversations, while, in parallel, officials met to focus on strengthening political, economic, and diplomatic relations.
According to Angola Press News Agency, as a result of these meetings, the two countries signed 11 agreements, including memorandums of understanding in strategic areas. These agreements are related to the sectors of oil and gas, mining, transport, water resources, telecommunications, vocational training, higher education, pharmaceutical industry, and veterinary health, among others. The Algerian President announced the opening of a direct air link with Angola starting in July, reflecting a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and cooperation between the two nations.
The Angolan president expressed interest in exploring all existing opportunities for cooperation between Angola and Algeria, aiming for the socio-economic development of both nations. The two governments also reaffirmed common positions on matters related to peace, security, and development on the African continent. The agenda included visits of historical and cultural significance, such as to the National Museum of Moudjahid, a symbol of the Algerian liberation struggle.
One of the highlights of the visit was President Joo Louren§o's speech at the Algerian Parliament, where he called for greater coordination among African countries in addressing inequalities in the international system, emphasizing the worsening tensions in different regions. He criticized the logic of imposing the will of the strongest in international relations, advocating instead for international law and peaceful coexistence among peoples.
During his stay in Algeria, President Joo Louren§o was honored by his Algerian counterpart with the highest level of honorary decoration awarded by the Algerian State, in recognition of his commitment to strengthening the relations between Angola and Algeria. In reciprocation, the Angolan Head of State awarded the Algerian statesman the Order of Agostinho Neto, the highest decoration granted by the Angolan State for significant achievements benefiting nations and peoples.
Joo Louren§o also visited key sites such as the Fouka 2 Seawater Desalination Plant in Tipaza province, a strategic infrastructure aimed at strengthening water security in the region, and the National School of Artificial Intelligence in Algiers, which specializes in training engineers in artificial intelligence and data science. At the conclusion of his state mission, he visited the Grand Mosque of Algeria, advocating for dialogue between cultures and religions as vital for world peace and harmony.
The visit is considered historic, marking a new chapter in relations between Angola and Algeria, countries that have maintained diplomatic ties since 1976. The foundations of their cooperation were laid during the National Liberation Struggle when Algeria supported Angolan nationalist movements. Post-independence, Angola and Algeria formalized diplomatic relations in 1976 and furthered their cooperation with the General Agreement on Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation in 1983.
Over the years, Angola and Algeria have consolidated partnerships in various sectors, including energy, oil and gas, mineral resources, education, agriculture, transport, defense, and technical-professional training. Recent years have seen intensified political consultations and bilateral meetings, notably the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in April 2025 to create a Political Consultation Mechanism between the two countries.