Luanda: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Republic of Angola have issued a joint statement following the state visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to Angola. This visit marks the first time a President of the UAE has visited Angola, heralding a new chapter in the bilateral relations between the two nations.
According to Emirates News Agency, during the visit, the presidents of both countries engaged in discussions that focused on enhancing cooperation in several key areas, including political, economic, technological, and governance sectors. The leaders expressed a commitment to achieving concrete outcomes that would foster national development and long-term prosperity for both nations.
The joint statement highlighted the alignment between the UAE's and Angola's national visions and their shared ambitions for development. Both leaders expressed enthusiasm for capitalizing on the growing momentum in their relations to unlock new opportunities on a significant scale.
In addition to bilateral matters, the Heads of State expressed their concerns regarding ongoing conflicts in Africa and the Middle East. They emphasized the importance of peace and sustainable development, advocating for the strengthening of multilateral cooperation and adherence to global stability norms. The role of regional organizations, such as the African Union and the League of Arab States, was recognized as crucial in these efforts.
The statement also addressed the escalating situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the cessation of settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The leaders stressed the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and reaffirmed their commitment to a two-State solution based on international law and United Nations resolutions.
Furthermore, the presidents condemned acts of terrorism and reaffirmed the importance of promoting peace, coexistence, and rejecting intolerance and extremism. They called for the resolution of conflicts through peaceful means and recognized the African Union's vital role in these efforts.
A significant achievement of the visit was the signing of over 60 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering various sectors such as trade, energy, education, and agriculture. Notably, a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed, setting the stage for deeper economic collaboration and opening new avenues for bilateral trade and investment.
The joint statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the UAE and Angola's commitment to their partnership, emphasizing that sustained collaboration based on mutual respect and aligned priorities is crucial for addressing shared challenges and driving inclusive development for both nations and their regions.