Monrovia-Liberia and Angola have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation across several strategic sectors following discussions at the African Union (AU) Summit geared toward deepening diplomatic ties.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti has concluded a meeting with Angola’s Foreign Minister, Téte António, to explore new avenues for collaboration between the two nations.
The discussion centered on key areas such as maritime affairs, oil and gas exploration, mining, and agriculture.
Both ministers expressed a shared interest in enhancing ties in these sectors, with agreements in place to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultations and establish a Joint Commission, the statement noted.
According to the statement, the Commission is set to convene in Luanda, Angola, on May 4-5 to finalize agreements and chart the course for future bilateral cooperation.
Minister António, representing Angolan President João Lourenço, who recently assumed the AU Chairmanship, emphasized the importance of regular updates on bilateral relations.
President Lourenço had instructed the Foreign Minister to ensure the completion of the Joint Commission, which will focus on MoUs in several key sectors, further reinforcing Angola’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Liberia.
In her remarks, Minister Nyanti conveyed congratulations from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to President Lourenço on his appointment as AU Chairperson, and reiterated Liberia’s enthusiasm for deepening cooperation with Angola, particularly in areas critical to both nations’ economic growth.
A key aspect of the discussions was reportedly focused on the strategic importance of the Atlantic coastline to both countries.
The ministers agreed to explore joint initiatives to strengthen maritime security, combat piracy, and promote sustainable marine resource development, including a focus on the emerging blue economy.
Angola’s expertise in the oil and gas sector was also a focal point.
During the meeting, Minister Nyanti, on behalf of Liberia, expressed interest in tapping into Angola’s knowledge and experience in hydrocarbon exploration and production, with both nations planning to establish a joint task force to explore technical exchanges and investment opportunities.
In the mining sector, the two countries recognized the potential for collaboration, agreeing to share best practices and attract foreign direct investment.
The outcome of the meeting also highlighted the importance of efforts to be made to ensure the sustainable and ethical extraction of mineral resources, with both sides working toward the development of a thriving mining industry.
Agriculture, a cornerstone of both economies, was another area of focus.
Discussions further centred on increasing agricultural productivity through technology transfer, capacity building, and agribusiness initiatives aimed at improving food security and job creation.
A major proposal put forward during the talks was the implementation of a visa waiver agreement between Liberia and Angola, designed to facilitate the free movement of people and goods.
This agreement is expected to stimulate trade and investment between the two countries, further enhancing regional integration and economic cooperation.
At the same time, Minister Nyanti reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to active participation in regional and global economic dialogues, with the country’s foreign policy centred on economic diplomacy and sustainable development.
The ongoing strengthening of Liberia-Angola relations reflects a shared vision for a prosperous and stable future, with both countries working together to achieve significant economic growth and contribute to regional stability.
The discussions also highlighted the progress made in recent years, with the establishment of a joint task force in May 2024 aimed at improving collaboration in the oil and gas sector.
With these high-level engagements, Liberia and Angola are poised to continue building on this foundation, fostering strategic partnerships that promise mutual benefit.
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