Timor-Leste and Angola Strengthen Diplomatic and Cooperation Ties
From July 7th to 10th 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, accompanied the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, on a State visit to Angola, with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations between Timor-Leste no Angola.
The Timorese delegation was welcomed at Luanda International Airport by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Angola, Téte António, and the Ambassador of Angola to Timor-Leste, José Andrade de Lemos. The visit included various activities and high-level meetings that emphasised the cooperation between the two countries.
On July 8th, Minister Bendito Freitas took part in a lecture given by President José Ramos-Horta at the “ Venâncio de Moura” Diplomatic Academy, aimed at members of the Angolan diplomatic academy and other relevant figures. On the same day, the head of State and the Governor were received at the National Assembly.
Also on July 8th, Minister Bendito Freitas and President José Ramos-Horta paid tribute to António Agostinho Neto memorial monument, recognising the historical and cultural importance of the founder of the Angolan nation.
One of the most significant moments of the visit was the signing of a visa waiver agreement for holders of service and diplomatic passports between Timor-Leste and Angola. This Agreement, signed by the Foreign Ministers of both countries, will facilitate the mobility of diplomats and strengthen bilateral cooperation. A memorandum of understanding was also signed to establish cooperation in the area of diplomatic political consultation, as well as an agreement between the “Venâncio de Moura” Diplomatic Academy and the Timor-Leste Centre for Diplomatic Studies.
During the visit, Minister Bendito Freitas accompanied the Head of State to the official inauguration of the Timor-Leste Embassy in Angola. This ceremony marked an important step in the diplomatic relations, symbolising the lasting friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Minister Bendito Freitas also took part in a visit to Angola’s Higher Institute of Police and Criminal Sciences (ISCPC), where possible collaboration in the area of training and security was discussed.
The visit culminated in the decision to create a joint commission between Timor-Leste, Angola, which will involve a technical team of ministerial lines, to discuss and promote cooperation in strategic sectors such as oil, tourism, agriculture, and human resources training. This commission will work to outline an action plan that will benefit both countries.
