China, Angola upgrade ties to comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership

Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço paid a state visit to China from 14-17 March at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

Meeting President Xi on March 15, the two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Noting that China and Angola jointly celebrated the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year, Xi said relations between the two countries have stood the test of international vicissitudes and benefitted the two peoples.

China-Angola cooperation is South-South cooperation and cooperation between developing countries, which is about mutual help between good friends, reciprocity and win-win cooperation.

In a world that is undergoing both transformation and upheaval, the two sides should continue their traditional friendship, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, firmly support each other, and achieve common development, Xi noted.

China supports Angola in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security, and development interests, exploring a modernisation path suited to its national conditions, and realising national development and revitalisation.

He stressed that cooperation between China and Angola enjoys a sound foundation, large-scale and high complementarity, endowing huge potential and bright prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation. The two sides should advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, synergise their development strategies, and improve the quality and effectiveness of their pragmatic cooperation.

China is ready to work with the Angolan side to implement key infrastructure projects, support competent Chinese enterprises to carry out various forms of cooperation in Angola, and help the country advance agricultural modernisation, industrialisation and economic diversification.

China will continue to send medical teams to Angola and implement other projects, provide scholarships to Angolan students, and enhance people-to-people exchanges and friendship.

Noting that at present, the collective rise of developing countries is unstoppable, Xi said the Global South must not be absent from global governance, or development and prosperity.

“China is a reliable friend and sincere partner for African countries in their efforts to safeguard independence and promote development and revitalisation.”

China stands ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with Angola and other African countries to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive economic globalisation that benefits all and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, he added.

Saying that he felt at home when he came to China, President Lourenço said that China was the first country to provide valuable support, both when Angola was reeling from its civil war and when it was struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, and expressed his heartfelt gratitude.

“China’s support and cooperation have greatly promoted Angola’s infrastructure construction and economic and social development, setting a good example of mutually beneficial cooperation.”

After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents regarding the Belt and Road cooperation plan, economy and trade, agriculture, green development and other fields.

The two sides also issued a joint statement on the establishment of a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Angola.

Reflecting the high degree of political unity and close friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries, the statement is broken into sections that deal with working together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, deepening high quality Belt and Road Cooperation, and implementing the three global initiatives on development, security and civilisation.

It notes that: “The two heads of state believe that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Angola in 1983, the friendship between the two countries has withstood the test of time and has endured for the benefit of the two peoples.

“In order to further consolidate political mutual trust and deepen and expand practical cooperation in various fields, the two heads of state decided to upgrade their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.”

On the question of building a community with a shared future for humanity, the two sides are willing to work together and to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world featuring lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity.

They agreed that in view of a series of major issues and challenges facing the world today, all parties should advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and economic globalisation that benefits all.

China reiterates its firm support for the Angolan people to independently choose a development path suited to their national conditions and for Angola to safeguard its national independence, sovereignty, security and interests. The Angolan side reaffirmed its firm adherence to the one-China principle, recognised that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and firmly supports all China’s efforts to achieve national reunification and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.

The two sides unanimously agreed that all countries, big or small, are equal, no matter what stage of development they are in, and that hegemonism and power politics should be resolutely opposed.

They reaffirmed their support for the authority of the United Nations and agreed on the need to reform the UN and its subsidiary bodies, especially the Security Council, to make them more responsive to the current situation, to expand the participation of developing countries, and to expand Africa’s representation and voice in the Security Council.

The two sides agreed that climate change is a common challenge facing all humanity and requires the joint efforts of the international community to address it. Developed countries bear a historical responsibility for climate change and should take the lead in undertaking the obligation to reduce emissions substantially, and earnestly fulfil their commitments to provide financial, technological and capacity-building support to developing countries.

On Belt and Road cooperation, the two sides will establish a strategic partnership for green development, strengthen cooperation in environmental protection, climate change response, green economy, risk emergency mechanism construction, etc., expand mutually beneficial cooperation in renewable energy such as photovoltaic and wind energy, electric vehicles and other related industries, and promote energy transition and ensure energy security.

China encourages its enterprises to participate in investment projects that support the upgrading of the Angolan industrial chain and enhance the country’s capacity for independent development.

On the Global Development Initiative, China welcomes Angola’s formal entry into the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the two sides will promote practical cooperation in various fields under the framework of the GDI.

The two sides agreed to establish an investment cooperation working group mechanism to promote cooperation in the fields of digital economy, green development and blue economy.

Reflecting the increasing international moves by developing countries to promote dedollarisation, China and Angola agreed to encourage more use of local currencies in trade and investment and to facilitate enterprises of the two countries in reducing exchange costs. The two sides will also create a favourable policy environment for promoting local currency settlement.

On the Global Security Inititiative (GSI), Angola appreciates China’s positive role in promoting a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian issue. China appreciates President Lourenço’s active efforts to promote peace talks on international and regional hotspot issues such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) issue.

And regarding the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI), the two sides will strengthen cooperation in the field of health. China will continue to support the development of Angola’s public health system and continue to send medical teams to Angola. Angola thanked China for its continuous support to Angola in the field of health, especially during the pandemic.

In conclusion the statement says that: “The two sides agreed that the complete success of President Lourenço’s visit to China marks a new stage of development in China-Angola relations and is of great significance to promoting the building of a China-Angola community with a shared future. President Lourenço expressed his heartfelt thanks to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government and people for the warm and friendly reception they accorded during the visit, and invited President Xi Jinping to visit Angola at his convenience.”

Also on March 15, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with President Lourenço and called for deepened political mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation between their two countries.

Noting that China and Angola enjoy a profound traditional friendship and are good brothers and partners who trust each other, Li said that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two countries’ presidents, the two sides have adhered to the principles of sincerity, friendship, equality and mutual benefit, achieved fruitful results in cooperation in various fields, and continuously upgraded the level of strategic partnership.

Lourenço said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 41 years ago, bilateral relations have been strengthened, with huge potential for cooperation. Angola appreciates China’s precious support when his country was in the most difficult period, helping Angola to achieve rapid economic and social development, and to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The same day, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Zhao Leji also met with President Lourenço.

Zhao Leji said, China and Angola are good brothers and good partners with sincerity, real results, amity and good faith. Exchanges and cooperation between legislative bodies are important channels to enhance mutual understanding and trust between the two peoples. The NPC of China is willing to work with the National Assembly of Angola to strengthen exchanges between high-level legislative officials, special committees, bilateral friendship groups, and parliamentarians to provide legal guarantee for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

In a background article to the visit, Xinhua News Agency surveyed a number of key cooperation projects between the two countries. It reported that: “Located 18 km south of Luanda, Angola’s capital, the ‘new city,’ Kilamba stands prominently on the horizon. More than a decade after its completion, this monumental public welfare project, executed by Chinese firms, comprises 700 buildings and 20,000 housing units, providing contemporary living conditions for its 120,000 inhabitants.”

It added that, in 2010, Xi visited Angola, when the two countries announced the establishment of a strategic partnership. Xi personally inspected the project, spending half a day there, inspiring builders from China and Angola, it noted, adding: “Rising from once barren land, the new city is a testament to the accelerated cooperation between the two nations.”

Drummond Mafuta, president of the Board of Directors of Edicoes Novembro, one of Angola’s largest media groups, commented that when the Angolan civil war ended and the country needed reconstruction, China was the first to extend a helping hand. Friendship with China “is and will always be marked in the history of Angola’s reconstruction.”

Tiago Quissua Armando, a scholar at Angola’s Venancio de Moura Diplomacy Institute, saw the outcomes of the leaders’ talks as addressing vital issues for Angola, such as economic diversification, industrial investment and agricultural modernisation.

“President Lourenço’s visit also includes a trip to Shandong, a Chinese province with significant experience in the agricultural sector. Angola can benefit from this experience to enhance its local industry,” he noted.

Last year, Shandong province signed a friendly cooperation agreement with Bengo Province of Angola, committing to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, economy, trade and vocational education.

Xinhua also reported that the inauguration ceremony of the Chinese-donated Integrated Centre for Technological Training took place in Huambo City, Angola, on January 12. The 20,000-square-meter centre has 30 laboratories and six workshops covering robotics, mechanical processing, computer science and automotive repair. In its first phase, it plans to train 2,400 people annually.

Secretary of State for Labour and Social Security of Angola Pedro Filipe said that in recent years, vocational training and talent cultivation have become critical areas of cooperation between Angola and China.

In a separate interview with Xinhua, Rui Miguens de Oliveira, Angola’s minister of industry and commerce, speaking of Angola’s industrialisation process, expressed gratitude for China’s strong support in the post-war rebuilding and construction of new infrastructure.

The minister emphasised that the participation and presence of Chinese companies and financial resources were fundamental for the initial recovery of destroyed infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, energy transmission lines and water supply systems. “All of these are infrastructures necessary for general economic and social development, but particularly essential for our industry,” he said.

Since China and Angola established diplomatic relations 41 years ago, Angola has emerged as China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade reaching 23 billion US dollars in 2023. Chinese companies have rebuilt or constructed anew 2,800 km of railways, 20,000 km of roads, over 100,000 social housing units, more than 100 schools, and more than 50 hospitals in the southern African nation.

Reporting on the visit, the Reuters news agency noted that, last December, China and Angola signed an investment protection agreement, while Angolan firms from December 25 2023 have had tariff-free access to China’s massive consumer market across 98% of goods under a separate agreement.

Chinese firms have invested close to $12 billion in Angola since it joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative in 2014, data from the American Enterprise Institute think tank shows.

The South China Morning Post reported that, “Dominik Kopinski, an associate professor in the Institute of Economics at the University of Wroclaw and senior adviser at the Polish Economic Institute, said Lourenço’s visit to China was part of Angola’s efforts to diversify and cultivate links with a wide range of partners.

“‘Those who thought the recent recalibration of Angola’s foreign policy meant ditching China and embracing the West will feel disappointed,’ Kopinski said.

“Lourenço’s four-day state visit included talks with executives of major Chinese companies, including China Gezhouba Group Corporation, which is building the Caculo Cabaca hydroelectric plant in Angola’s Cuanza Norte province, and Hebei Huatong Cable Group, which is building an aluminium production factory in Angola.

“In a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Lourenço sought financing for a refinery in the port city of Lobito, a petrochemical plant and a military air force base.

“‘When we were in urgent need of large financial resources for national reconstruction, China was the only country in the world that truly came to our aid to rebuild the main infrastructure and build new [projects] that were equally important for the economic and social development of Angola,” he said.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily, and on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The Joint Statement between China and Angola was published in Chinese by People’s Daily. It has been machine translated and lightly edited by us.

Chinese, Angolan presidents hold talks, elevating bilateral ties to comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership

BEIJING, March 15 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President of the Republic of Angola Joao Lourenco, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Friday.

The two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

China-Angola cooperation is South-South cooperation and cooperation between developing countries, which is about mutual help between good friends, reciprocity and win-win cooperation, Xi said.

China supports Angola in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests, exploring a modernization path suited to its national conditions, and realizing national development and revitalization, he said.

China is also willing to strengthen exchanges of governance experience with Angola, upgrade bilateral strategic relations, and jointly promote the modernization process of each country, Xi noted.

He stressed that cooperation between China and Angola enjoys a sound foundation, large scale and high complementarity, endowing huge potential and bright prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation. The two sides should advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, synergize their development strategies, and improve the quality and effectiveness of their pragmatic cooperation.

China is ready to work with the Angolan side to implement key infrastructure projects, support competent Chinese enterprises to carry out various forms of cooperation in Angola, and help the country advance agricultural modernization, industrialization and economic diversification, Xi said.

It is hoped that Angola will take more effective measures to ensure the legitimate rights, interests and safety of Chinese citizens and enterprises, Xi said, adding that Angola is welcome to introduce more quality products to China through platforms such as the China International Import Expo and China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. China will continue to send medical teams to Angola and implement other projects, provide scholarships to Angolan students, and enhance people-to-people exchanges and friendship, he said.

Noting that at present, the collective rise of developing countries is unstoppable, Xi said the Global South must not be absent from global governance, or development and prosperity. “China is a reliable friend and sincere partner for African countries in their efforts to safeguard independence, and promote development and revitalization.”

Xi said China supports African countries and the African Union in solving African issues in the African way, and safeguarding regional peace and stability. China stands ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with Angola and other African countries to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, he added.

Lourenco said that China was the first country to provide valuable support both when Angola was reeling from its civil war and struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, and expressed his heartfelt gratitude.

“China’s support and cooperation have greatly promoted Angola’s infrastructure construction and economic and social development, setting a good example of mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lourenco added.

The Angolan side welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in Angola to help its national development and revitalization, the president said. Angola firmly adheres to the one-China principle and holds that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, he added.

Angola highly appreciates China’s consistent commitment to promoting world peace and progress, and safeguarding international fairness and justice. Angola is willing to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China to safeguard the purposes and principles of the UN Charter as well as important norms governing international relations, he said.

Lourenco also expressed the willingness to work with China to achieve more results in bilateral relations.

The two sides issued a joint statement on the establishment of a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Angola.

Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcome ceremony for Lourenco at the Great Hall of the People. In the evening, Xi held a banquet for Lourenco.

Joint Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Angola on the Establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership

Beijing, March 15, 2024

At the invitation of President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, the President of the Republic of Angola, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, paid a state visit to the People’s Republic of China from 14 to 17 March 2024.

During the visit, the two heads of state held talks in a cordial and friendly atmosphere and had an in-depth exchange of views on China-Angola and China-Africa relations, as well as international and regional issues of common concern. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, met with President Lourenço.

The two heads of state believe that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Angola in 1983, the friendship between the two countries has withstood the test of time and has endured for the benefit of the two peoples. The two heads of state expressed satisfaction with this and reaffirmed their willingness to strengthen China-Angola friendship and promote more extensive and diversified cooperation.

In order to further consolidate political mutual trust and deepen and expand practical cooperation in various fields, the two heads of state decided to upgrade their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

On working together to build a community with a shared future for humanity

The two sides agreed that the world is undergoing great changes at an accelerated pace. The two sides are willing to work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity and an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world featuring lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity.
The two heads of state agreed that in view of a series of major issues and challenges facing the world today, all parties should advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and economic globalisation that benefits all.
China and Angola support each other in international affairs, set an example in safeguarding the common interests of developing countries and international fairness and justice, and make positive contributions to safeguarding regional and world peace and development.

The two sides agreed that it is necessary to give full play to the political leading role of the diplomacy of the heads of state and maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges and dialogues. The two sides agreed to strengthen mutual support, enhance political mutual trust, and consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns.
China reiterates its firm support for the Angolan people to independently choose a development path suited to their national conditions, and for Angola to safeguard its national independence, sovereignty, security and interests. The Angolan side reaffirmed its firm adherence to the one-China principle, recognised that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and firmly supports all China’s efforts to achieve national reunification and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. Angola opposes any form of interference in China’s internal affairs by external forces and any attempt to undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The two sides unanimously agreed that all countries, big or small, are equal, no matter what stage of development they are in, and that hegemonism and power politics should be resolutely opposed.
The two sides agreed that all parties should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, uphold the universally agreed basic norms governing international relations, and practice true multilateralism.
The two sides reaffirmed their support for the authority of the United Nations and agreed on the need to reform the United Nations and its subsidiary bodies, especially the Security Council, to make them more responsive to the current situation, to expand the participation of developing countries, and to expand Africa’s representation and voice in the Security Council. The Angolan side reaffirmed the importance of the Ezulwini Consensus and appreciated China as the first G20 country to support the AU’s accession to the G20.
The two sides agreed that all parties should firmly promote trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation, solve the structural problems that hinder the healthy development of the world economy, and promote economic globalisation in a more open, inclusive and balanced direction.
Both sides attach great importance to democracy and agree that each country’s democratic path and model should be in line with their national conditions and development realities.
The two sides agreed that the development of human rights is the common cause of all humanity, that the right to subsistence and the right to development are the primary basic human rights, and that human rights exchanges and cooperation should be carried out on the basis of mutual respect and equal treatment.
The two sides agreed that climate change is a common challenge facing all humanity and requires the joint efforts of the international community to address it. Developed countries bear a historical responsibility for climate change and should take the lead in undertaking the obligation to reduce emissions substantially, and earnestly fulfil their commitments to provide financial, technological and capacity-building support to developing countries.
The two sides spoke highly of the important role of FOCAC [Forum on China Africa Cooperation] in advancing the China-Africa comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and agreed to strengthen consultation and coordination on FOCAC affairs, and jointly implement practical cooperation in various fields within the framework of the “Nine Projects” of China-Africa Cooperation and the Dakar Action Plan (2022-2024).

Deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation

On the basis of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Angola signed in 2018 on Jointly Promoting the Construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, the two sides will deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, promote practical cooperation in relevant fields to achieve more fruitful results, and jointly safeguard the safety of bilateral cooperation projects and enterprise personnel.

Angola spoke highly of the positive role played by the Belt and Road Initiative in promoting economic development and improving people’s livelihood in the [participating] countries since it was proposed, and is willing to step up effective synergy with the Belt and Road Initiative.

The two sides are willing to further strengthen policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people bonds, jointly implement the outcomes of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, and promote win-win cooperation and common development.
The two sides will establish a strategic partnership for green development, strengthen cooperation in environmental protection, climate change response, green economy, risk emergency mechanism construction, etc., expand mutually beneficial cooperation in renewable energy such as photovoltaic and wind energy, electric vehicles and other related industries, and promote energy transition and ensure energy security.

Angola appreciates China’s efforts, determination and actions in adhering to green and low-carbon development and actively participating in international cooperation on climate change and will take this as an opportunity to promote relevant cooperation between the two sides.
The two sides will strengthen cooperation in mining and agricultural development and increase the added value of mining, agriculture and animal husbandry. Angola invites Chinese companies to make private investments in mining, agriculture, fisheries, pharmaceuticals, tourism and other sectors. China encourages Chinese enterprises to participate in investment projects that support the upgrading of the Angolan industrial chain and enhance their capacity for independent development.

On the implementation of the Global Development Initiative

China and Angola are a positive and important force for international peace and development. The two sides have taken the lead in implementing the Global Development Initiative (GDI), which is a concrete measure to strengthen bilateral relations.

The Angolan side spoke highly of China’s great achievements over the past decade or so, believed that the successful experience of Chinese-style modernisation was inspiring and fully believes that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, China will build itself into a great modern socialist country in all respects, realise the second centenary goal, and comprehensively promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-style modernisation.
China appreciates Angola’s long-term political stability and positively appreciates Angola’s achievements in building a prosperous country under the leadership of President Lourenço. China believes that under the leadership of President Lourenço, Angola will fully implement the National Development Plan 2023-2027 and diversify its economy, and the Angolan people will live a better life.

China appreciates President Lourenço as an important promoter of peace and reconciliation in Africa recognised by the African Union, and believes that President Lourenço will play a greater positive role in safeguarding regional and world peace and development.
Angola appreciates President Xi Jinping’s Global Development Initiative (GDI) and believes that it will play an important role in the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. China welcomes Angola’s formal entry into the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the two sides will promote practical cooperation in various fields under the framework of the GDI.
The Angolan side thanked China for its active support for Angola’s development, especially for the construction of a number of major infrastructure facilities that benefit people’s livelihood.
The two sides are willing to actively promote economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, give full play to the role of the China-Angola Economic and Trade Cooperation Steering Committee, enhance trade facilitation, and promote the high-quality development of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

China will encourage more enterprises in various fields to invest in Angola’s private sector, and carry out infrastructure construction through various forms such as intergovernmental cooperation and social capital participation, so as to contribute to the diversification of Angola’s economy and the process of industrialisation.

China will continue to expand investment and financing cooperation with Angola, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in agriculture, industry, fishery and tourism, and support Angola in achieving independent and sustainable development. The Angolan side will further improve the business environment, provide good conditions for Chinese enterprises to operate in Angola, and earnestly implement the cooperation documents signed between the two countries, especially the China-Angola Investment Protection Agreement.
The two sides will strengthen trade cooperation. The Chinese side invited Angola to actively participate in the China International Import Expo and make good use of this platform to expand the export of advantageous products to China and said that it would facilitate Angola to hold trade promotion activities in China. The Angolan side thanked China for its invitation and appreciated China’s series of major measures to open up to the outside world at a high level. China supports the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The two sides will strengthen investment cooperation. The two sides agreed to establish an investment cooperation working group mechanism to promote cooperation in the fields of digital economy, green development and blue economy.
The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in various financial fields, support financial institutions in providing investment and financing services for cooperation between enterprises of the two countries, encourage more use of local currencies in trade and investment, and facilitate enterprises of the two countries to reduce exchange costs. The two sides will also create a favourable policy environment for promoting local currency settlement.
Angola welcomes China’s Global AI Governance Initiative, and the two sides are willing to expand exchanges and cooperation in the field of AI.

On the implementation of the Global Security Initiative

Angola supports President Xi Jinping’s Global Security Initiative and China and Angola are willing to jointly implement the Global Security Initiative and contribute to lasting world peace and development.

The two sides agreed that all countries should adhere to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, attach importance to the legitimate security concerns of all countries, resolve differences and disputes between countries peacefully through dialogue and consultation, and maintain security in both traditional and non-traditional fields in an integrated manner.
The two sides undertake to protect the security and legitimate rights and interests of each other’s citizens and institutions within their territories.
The two sides will further strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the areas of mediation of differences and security, high-level exchanges on national defence and security issues, and cooperation in personnel training, combating transnational crimes, and equipment and technology.
Angola appreciates China’s positive role in promoting a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian issue. China appreciates President Lourenço’s active efforts to promote peace talks on international and regional hotspot issues such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) issue. The two sides called on the international community to cooperate in dealing with the spillover effects caused by the conflicts and reducing the negative impact on developing countries, especially African countries.
The two sides support cooperation in areas such as addressing climate change, stabilising unimpeded supply chains, avoiding politicising energy and food security issues, and maintaining unimpeded energy and food supply and price stability.

On the implementation of the Global Civilisation Initiative

The two sides are willing to work together to implement the Global Civilisation Initiative, strengthen exchanges among civilisations and promote people-to-people bonds.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, education, journalism, sports, and public health.

China welcomes Angolan citizens to visit China, stands ready to support Angola in becoming a destination country for Chinese citizens to travel abroad in groups, and appreciates Angola’s visa-free treatment for short-term Chinese tourists. The two sides agreed to improve the level of facilitation of personnel exchanges.
The two sides will strengthen cooperation in the field of health. China will continue to support the development of Angola’s public health system and continue to send medical teams to Angola. Angola thanked China for its continuous support to Angola in the field of health, especially during the pandemic.

The two sides agreed that the complete success of President Lourenço’s visit to China marks a new stage of development in China-Angola relations and is of great significance to promoting the building of a China-Angola community with a shared future. President Lourenço expressed his heartfelt thanks to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government and people for the warm and friendly reception they accorded during the visit, and invited President Xi Jinping to visit Angola at his convenience.

Chinese premier meets with Angolan president in Beijing

BEIJING, March 15 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with visiting President of the Republic of Angola Joao Lourenco in Beijing on Friday, calling for deepened political mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation.

China is willing to work with Angola to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and continuously improve the well-being of the two peoples, he said.

Li pointed out that China appreciates Angola’s long-standing adherence to the one-China principle and will, as always, firmly support Angola’s efforts to safeguard national security and stability, oppose external interference and promote economic and social development.

“China is ready to work with Angola to upgrade practical cooperation and expand cooperation on infrastructure, agriculture, trade, new energy and digital economy under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to achieve win-win results,” Li said.

He said that China stands ready to import more quality products from Angola and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Angola.

“The two sides should deepen exchanges on medical and health care, human resources development, culture and tourism to consolidate public support for friendship between the two countries,” Li added.

Lourenco said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 41 years ago, bilateral relations have been strengthened, with huge potential for cooperation. Angola appreciates China’s precious support when Angola was in the most difficult period, helping Angola to achieve rapid economic and social development, and to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

The Angolan side will firmly abide by the one-China policy and support China in safeguarding its sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests, Lourenco said, adding that Angola welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest in its country and is willing to further strengthen cooperation with China on infrastructure, agriculture, energy and new energy to achieve common development.

Zhao Leji Meets with Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço

BEIJING, March 15 (Chinese Foreign Ministry) —

On March 15, 2024, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Zhao Leji met with Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço in Beijing.

Zhao Leji said, China and Angola are good brothers and good partners with sincerity, real results, amity and good faith. China is willing to work with Angola to implement the important common understandings reached between the two heads of state, further consolidate strategic mutual trust, and promote the upgrading of practical cooperation so as to achieve greater development of bilateral relations. Exchanges and cooperation between legislative bodies are important channels to enhance mutual understanding and trust between the two peoples. The NPC of China is willing to work with the National Assembly of Angola to strengthen exchanges between high-level legislative officials, special committees, bilateral friendship groups, and parliamentarians to provide legal guarantee for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. Zhao Leji also briefed Lourenço on the Second Session of the 14th National People’s Congress.

Lourenço said, the Angolan side welcomes and supports a series of global initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping, firmly supports China’s position on Taiwan, human rights and other issues, thanks China for its long-term support to the country, and is willing to deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation in various fields with China, including the legislature.

China and Angola’s decades-long friendship exemplifies strong ties between China and Africa

LUANDA, March 18 (Xinhua) — On Friday in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Angolan President Joao Lourenco announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Angola, a Portuguese-speaking country in Southwest Africa emerging from a 27-year civil war that ended in 2002, has enjoyed a flourishing partnership with China over the past two decades. This partnership is characterized by cooperation across various fields, and Angola has achieved significant progress in rebuilding the country, industrial modernization and talent development.

As Xi said during talks with Lourenco, China-Angola cooperation is South-South cooperation and cooperation between developing countries. It is defined as mutual help between good friends, reciprocity and win-win collaboration.

FACILITATING NATIONAL RECONSTRUCTION

Located 18 km south of Luanda, Angola’s capital, the “new city,” Kilamba stands prominently on the horizon. More than a decade after its completion, this monumental public welfare project, executed by Chinese firms, comprises 700 buildings and 20,000 housing units, providing contemporary living conditions for its 120,000 inhabitants.

“I’ve been living here since January 2013, and back then, it felt like a fresh, pioneering city, with everything shining,” 73-year-old resident Gaspar Pedro told Xinhua.

Pedro’s home is situated in a 13-story residential building. Inside his cozy, orange-hued living room, a collection of family photos, including his daughter’s wedding and the birth of his grandchildren, adorn one side of the bookshelf. Pedro enjoys a tranquil retirement life here with his wife, frequently visited by their children and grandchildren.

Mario Cassinda, who has managed a restaurant “Puro Tempero” in Kilamba for six years, believes the city has addressed more than just housing issues.

“It was constructed on a barren land. Since the city’s establishment, it has created more jobs and attracted many people from the outskirts. I can say it’s a beneficial project,” said Cassinda.

The City of Kilamba, formerly known as the Kilamba Kiaxi Housing Project, was initiated by Chinese company CITIC Construction. It features well-equipped facilities, including schools, water treatment plants and substations, ensuring residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

Chinese engineer Qi Juntuan, who participated in the city’s construction, recalled the challenges they encountered, particularly the uncommon issue of poor soil adhesion, a problem rarely encountered by Chinese engineers elsewhere.

“The team, working tirelessly day and night, eventually overcame these obstacles with techniques like layered backfilling,” he said. “The thought of applying our knowledge to bring tangible improvements to the local area fills us with great motivation.”

In 2010, Xi visited Angola, when Angola and China announced the establishment of a strategic partnership. Xi personally inspected the project, spending half a day there, inspiring builders from China and Angola.

Rising from once barren land, the new city is a testament to the accelerated cooperation between the two nations.

China and Angola celebrated the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2023, and the partnership continues to thrive. Deepened political trust and practical cooperation have benefited the people of both nations.

China has been Angola’s largest trading partner, largest export market and an essential source of investment for many years, while Angola is China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa.

Mafuta said friendship with China “is and will always be marked in the history of Angola’s reconstruction.”

FOSTERING INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

After the talks on Friday, Xi and Lourenco jointly witnessed the signing of several bilateral cooperation documents regarding the Belt and Road cooperation plan, the economy and trade, agriculture, green development and other fields.

Tiago Quissua Armando, a scholar at Angola’s Venancio de Moura Diplomacy Institute, sees the outcomes of the leaders’ talks as addressing vital issues for Angola, such as economic diversification, industrial investment and agricultural modernization.

“President Lourenco’s visit also includes a trip to Shandong, a Chinese province with significant experience in the agricultural sector. Angola can benefit from this experience to enhance its local industry,” he said.

Last year, Shandong Province signed a friendly cooperation agreement with Bengo Province of Angola, committing to strengthening cooperation in agriculture, economy, trade and vocational education.

One of the flagship Shandong enterprises in Angola is the Sino-Ord Industrial Park. Since its establishment in 2019, the park has launched six industrial projects, with around 200 Chinese employees and approximately 1,700 local workers.

In June 2021, the Angolan president visited the industrial park and praised its role in boosting local employment, increasing tax revenue, and propelling Angola’s industrialization and economic diversification efforts.

“Working with colleagues from China and other countries has broadened my horizons and made me realize that only through strengthening international cooperation can our country’s development be more hopeful,” said Joao Paulo, a senior external relations manager who has worked at the industrial park for many years.

In Luanda, the Fatima Furniture Factory of the Qingdao Yewhing Group has set an example in the local industry by providing employment opportunities for hundreds of families.

“Having the factory or local production not only provides the product but also creates jobs, allowing more Angolans to have a source of sustainability for their families. Now, everyone here dreams of becoming an excellent technician,” said Wilson Manuel, a 30-year-old human resources manager at the furniture factory.

Today, products such as cabinets and wardrobes from the factory account for 40 percent of the domestic market in Angola, while the factory’s sofa brand occupies a quarter of the market share.

Angola’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Rui Miguens said China’s industrial development has raised living standards. He noted that Angola hopes to learn from China’s experience in industrialization and looks forward to more Chinese companies investing in Angola.

CULTIVATING FUTURE TALENT

Luis Erivaldo, a young Angolan working at Huawei, developed a strong interest in communication technology during his school years. After four rounds of interviews, he joined Huawei Angola and, over six years, grew from a freshman to a technical director.

In 2022, the Angolan government signed a memorandum of understanding with Huawei for a “digital talent” training program, which plans to train over 10,000 Angolan youths in the next five years.

There is a broad scope for cooperation in vocational education between China and Africa.

In August 2023, President Xi co-chaired with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue in Johannesburg, proposing initiatives to strengthen practical cooperation between China and Africa and support African integration and modernization, including the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development.

The inauguration ceremony of the Chinese-donated Integrated Center for Technological Training took place in Huambo City, Angola, on Jan. 12. The 20,000-square-meter center has 30 laboratories and six workshops covering robotics, mechanical processing, computer science and automotive repair. In its first phase, it plans to train 2,400 people annually.

President Lourenco personally inaugurated the training center. During his visit, he inquired in detail about the project’s construction and teaching plans. Just before leaving, he stepped out of his car to shake hands and again express gratitude to the Chinese personnel.

“This is a modern training center with complete facilities, and all the teachers have been trained in China. We are very grateful for China’s help and look forward to continuing cooperation with China in the future,” said Geraldo Pambasange, the training center’s principal.

Secretary of State for Labor and Social Security of Angola Pedro Filipe said that in recent years, vocational training and talent cultivation have become critical areas of cooperation between Angola and China.

China and Angola have a strong foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation. As relations progress, the two nations will witness exciting new chapters in their friendship.

Interview: China’s collaboration crucial for Angola’s industrialization, says minister

LUANDA, March 15 (Xinhua) — “China’s presence and collaboration at various levels — state level, public enterprise level and private business level — have been crucial for our industrial relaunch,” said Rui Miguens de Oliveira, Angola’s minister of industry and commerce, in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Regarding Angola’s industrialization process, Rui Miguens expressed gratitude for China’s strong support in the post-war rebuilding and construction of new infrastructure.

The minister emphasized that the participation and presence of Chinese companies and financial resources were fundamental for the initial recovery of destroyed infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, energy transmission lines and water supply systems. “All of these are infrastructures necessary for general economic and social development, but particularly essential for our industry,” he said.

Rui Miguens noted that following the restoration of infrastructure, Angola witnessed investments from Chinese private companies in various industrial sectors, bringing new vitality and showcasing Angola’s industrial potential to the world.

“The fact is that, at this moment, the largest private investors in Angola are likely Chinese investors. They are the best example of Angola, where it is possible to invest, create jobs, establish industries, and allow entrepreneurs to earn profits honestly,” he said.

More than 400 Chinese companies currently operate in Angola, with investments exceeding 24 billion U.S. dollars. Many of these companies are engaged in industrial production, running factories that produce construction materials, plastics, daily-use products, steel, batteries, and other items.

“I was very impressed with the level of development I found in Chinese society and found the model that China has for industrialization, bringing large sections of the population that were previously just rural into the industry,” he said.

Rui Miguens believed that China’s high-tech manufacturing and industrial development have benefited ordinary households, thereby improving people’s lives, and Angola can learn from China’s industrialization experience to improve the income of its people.

Since China and Angola established diplomatic relations 41 years ago, Angola has emerged as China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade reaching 23 billion U.S. dollars in 2023. Chinese companies have rebuilt or constructed new 2,800 km of railways, 20,000 km of roads, over 100,000 social housing units, more than 100 schools, and more than 50 hospitals in the southern African nation.

In the past decade, cooperation between China and Angola under the Belt and Road Initiative has yielded fruitful results, Rui Miguens said, describing the initiative as promoting economic and social development on the African continent and helping Africa integrate into global trade.

It enables nations to leverage their capabilities and potential, ultimately aiming for global well-being, the minister said. He also highlighted the initiative’s potential contribution to peace, in addition to promoting social development among countries.

“We have been able to develop trade between various nations in such a way that it is mutually beneficial, benefiting all parties in a balanced and fair manner. We will be able to have more peace in the world, which is very necessary for us to develop our lives and have well-being for all humanity,” he said.

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