Political Consultations Between Egypt and Angola Held in Cairo

CAIRO- 29 November 2024: Cairo hosted the first round of political consultations between Egypt and Angola at the senior officials’ level. 

The Egyptian delegation was led by Ambassador Ihab Awad, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for African Affairs, while the Angolan side was chaired by Ambassador Jorge Catarino Cardoso, Director of the Department of Africa, the Middle East, and Regional Organizations.

The consultations were part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and elevate them to a strategic partnership. 

Discussions covered existing paths of cooperation in both bilateral and regional contexts, particularly within the framework of the African Union. 

The two sides explored ways to broaden these areas of collaboration, with a focus on key priority sectors for both countries.

A significant portion of the discussions was dedicated to the Lobito Corridor project, a strategic initiative for enhancing connectivity in Southern Africa. 

The session highlighted the commercial, investment, and development opportunities the project presents, particularly for Egypt’s private sector.

An expanded session also addressed regional issues of mutual concern, including current developments in the Great Lakes, the Sahel, and the Horn of Africa, as well as the ongoing crisis in Sudan and the Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon. 

Additionally, the two sides discussed the reform and development of the African Union, particularly in light of Angola’s upcoming presidency of the Union in 2025. Both parties agreed to coordinate closely on these matters moving forward.