Luanda: The National Assembly Speaker, Carolina Cerqueira, announced on Tuesday that Angola is contemplating a bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. The announcement was made in Luanda, following expressions of support from U.S. President Joe Biden for increased African representation on the council during his visit to the National Museum of Slavery.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Cerqueira expressed optimism about the potential bid, citing Angola’s unique energy potential and other significant attributes. She emphasized that President Biden’s speech delivered a powerful message of encouragement to the Angolan people, bolstering the country’s aspirations on the global stage.
Minister of Culture Filipe Zau underscored the vital role that cultural diplomacy plays in Angola’s political strategy. He highlighted the historical connections fostered through the Tucker family’s visits to Angola, which have strengthened ties between Angola and the United States. Zau noted that the
first Africans to arrive in the U.S., including individuals such as Isabela and António, were taken from Angola, marking the beginning of a complex relationship that has culminated in President Biden’s landmark visit.
Minister of Territorial Administration Dionísio Fonseca reflected on President Biden’s speech, describing it as a positive outlook for Angola’s development. He emphasized the importance of converting Angola’s potential resources into tangible economic growth, a sentiment echoed by other government officials.
In the realm of business, Pedro Godinho, president of the US-Angola Chamber of Commerce, hailed President Biden’s visit as a significant opportunity for strengthening commercial ties between the two nations. He indicated that the presence of the U.S. President is expected to enhance conditions for partnerships between Angolan and American enterprises.
President Biden’s visit to the National Museum of Slavery marked the conclusion of his agenda in Angola, where he addressed a diverse audie
nce comprising government officials, parliamentarians, and diplomats, reinforcing the historic and evolving relationship between the two countries.