Angola's ambassador to Egypt, Maquento Sebastião Lopes, hosted a reception in Cairo to commemorate the 51st anniversary of Angola's independence and 50 years of diplomatic ties with Egypt. Lopes credited Presidents João Lourenço and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi with significantly boosting relations between the two countries in recent years. He cited their shared views on Africa's development, peace, and stability as key factors in strengthening political trust and identifying new areas of cooperation.
The two countries established diplomatic relations in February 1976, three months after Angola gained independence from Portugal on November 11, 1975. Lopes noted that their friendship predated formal ties, with Egypt supporting national liberation movements across Africa based on pan-Africanism and self-determination. He highlighted Angola's achievements since independence, including consolidating peace, strengthening institutions, and expanding access to education and healthcare.
Lopes emphasized that Angola and Egypt are well-positioned to build strategic partnerships in various sectors, including agriculture, industry, infrastructure, and energy. He cited the complementarity of their economies and the quality of their political relations as solid foundations for a promising future. The ambassador also highlighted the institutionalization of the Angola-Egypt Bilateral Commission as evidence of their shared commitment to tangible benefits for both nations.
The celebrations were held under the slogan "United for a Democratic, One and Indivisible Angola," reflecting Angolans' commitment to national unity, democracy, and the rule of law. Lopes paid tribute to the founders of the Angolan nation and to individuals who have built the relationship between the two countries. The reception was attended by Egyptian government officials, diplomats, academics, and members of the Angolan community in Egypt.
Egyptian Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for Southern Africa, Ambassador Khaled Aref, congratulated President João Lourenço and the Angolan people on their independence anniversary. Aref encouraged Egyptian companies to invest in Angola, particularly in infrastructure, housing, and agriculture. He also expressed hope that Egyptian oil and gas companies would enter the Angolan market, given Egypt's experience in building gas networks.
Aref highlighted a recent busy period in relations between the two countries, including the African Union's mid-year coordination meeting in New Alamein. He also referenced the unveiling of a monument to António Agostinho Neto, Angola's first president, in Heroes' Park in Zamalek. The two countries signed a cultural cooperation agreement in Cairo in September, further solidifying their ties.
The event showcased the strong relationship between Angola and Egypt, with Aref describing the friendship as going beyond diplomacy and economic partnership. He closed with a toast to Egyptian-Angolan friendship and African unity, emphasizing the significance of the two nations' cooperation. The celebrations demonstrated the commitment of both countries to strengthening their ties and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.
Key points
- Strengthened relations between Angola and Egypt have led to increased cooperation in various sectors.
- The two countries have established strategic partnerships in areas such as agriculture, industry, and energy.
- The celebrations highlighted the shared history and cultural ties between Angola and Egypt.
