U.S. President Joe Biden begins a three-day official visit to Angola, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and discussing the strategic Lobito Corridor project, which will connect mineral-rich countries to Angola’s port. The visit highlights Angola’s strategic importance to the U.S. as it seeks to counter China’s growing influence in the region.
Biden will be officially welcomed by President João Lourenço in a ceremony, followed by a private dinner. On October 14, the president will participate in formal meetings, including the U.S.-Angola Business Forum, where investment opportunities in infrastructure, energy, and agriculture will be discussed. Biden will also visit the Lobito Corridor project.
On October 15, the U.S. President will meet with leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to discuss regional security and will then visit the National Museum of Slavery to reflect on Angola’s history and culture.
Proposed Agenda for President Joe Biden’s Visit to Angola (October 13-15, 2024)
October 13, 2024 – Arrival and Welcome Ceremony
- 16:00: Arrival at 4 de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda.
- Official welcome ceremony with President João Lourenço and government officials.
- Honor guard and national anthems.
- Photo session.
- 17:30: Transfer to the official residence/hotel.
- 19:00: Private dinner with President João Lourenço.
- Focus: Bilateral relations and strategic partnerships between the U.S. and Angola.
October 14, 2024 – Strategic Meetings and Economic Forum
- 08:30 – 10:30: Official meeting with President João Lourenço at the Presidential Palace.
- Topics: Strengthening economic cooperation, the Lobito Corridor project, regional security, and sustainable development.
- 10:45 – 11:45: Roundtable with Angolan ministers and U.S. delegates.
- Focus: Strategic investments in Angola, energy, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
- 12:00 – 13:30: U.S.-Angola Business Forum.
- Theme: “Partnership for Sustainable Development: Leveraging the Lobito Corridor.”
- Opening remarks by President Joe Biden and President João Lourenço.
- Panel discussions on trade, energy, and U.S. investments in Angola.
- 13:45 – 15:15: Business luncheon with U.S. and Angolan business leaders.
- Topic: Attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and promoting public-private partnerships.
- 15:30 – 17:00: Visit to the Lobito Corridor project headquarters.
- Focus: Project blueprint inspection, an overview of logistics corridor development, and potential expansion plans.
- 17:30 – 18:30: Joint press conference with President Biden and President João Lourenço.
- Topic: Highlights of the meetings, key agreements, and cooperation announcements.
October 15, 2024 – Regional Engagement and Cultural Diplomacy
- 09:00 – 10:30: Meeting with SADC representatives.
- Topics: Regional peace and security, democratic governance, and combating extremism.
- 11:00 – 12:00: Visit to a vocational training center in Luanda.
- Focus: Workforce development and education in Angola.
- Interaction with young Angolan leaders and entrepreneurs.
- 12:30 – 14:00: Lunch with regional leaders and international diplomats.
- Theme: Strengthening diplomatic ties and regional stability.
- 14:30 – 16:00: Cultural visit to the National Museum of Slavery in Luanda.
- Focus: Acknowledging Angola’s history and heritage, with reflections on U.S.-Angola cultural exchanges.
- 17:00: Departure ceremony at 4 de Fevereiro International Airport.
- Farewell remarks by both leaders.
- 18:00: President Joe Biden departs from Angola.
This proposal of agenda outlines the key engagements during President Biden’s visit to Angola, focusing on economic partnerships, regional stability, cultural diplomacy, and strengthening U.S.-Africa relations.