Brasília, Brazil – In a symbolic and strategic gesture of renewed diplomacy, Angolan President João Lourenço was received on Friday with full honours by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Palácio do Planalto. The state visit, held during Brazil’s Africa Week, reflects an intensifying commitment by both nations to deepen bilateral relations across economic, political, and cultural domains.
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The high-level reception underscores the enduring bond between the two Lusophone nations. Beyond language, Angola and Brazil share a painful colonial past and a common legacy shaped by the transatlantic slave trade. Angola’s ports served as departure points for millions of Africans brought to Brazil, leaving a permanent mark on the country’s cultural and demographic fabric.
Speaking after their meeting, Lula described Angola as “more than a strategic partner — a brotherly nation with whom we share centuries of history and a vision for a more just, sovereign future.”
The ceremony included a guard of honour, national anthems, the signing of agreements, and a bilateral closed-door session.
Several key agreements were signed during the visit, aimed at boosting ties in critical sectors, including: Energy and Oil: Technical cooperation between Petrobras and Angola’s Sonangol. Agribusiness and Food Security: Joint development of agricultural technologies and large-scale food production. Education and Vocational Training: Expanded scholarships for Angolan students and training programs in Brazil. Facilitated Mobility: Eased visa processes for students, entrepreneurs, and technical staff.
President Lourenço also called for the reactivation of Brazilian development credit lines, which were suspended in 2016. These funds would support Angola’s infrastructure goals, including roadworks, hospitals, energy projects, and water access. “Brazil has invested in Angola before. It knows our terrain and our vision — we welcome Brazil’s return as a trusted development partner,” Lourenço said.
According to Brazil’s foreign ministry (Itamaraty), bilateral trade in 2024 surpassed $1.5 billion USD, with Brazil exporting frozen beef, pork, and poultry to Angola, and importing primarily crude oil and fuel derivatives.
With approximately 25,000 Brazilians residing in Angola, it remains the largest Brazilian community on the African continent. Major Brazilian companies have continued to play a role in Angola’s construction, telecom, and energy sectors.
Since 2010, Angola has been recognised by Brazil as a strategic partner in Africa, a status shared only with South Africa and Egypt. Both countries are also members of the Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic (ZOPACAS), an initiative promoting peace, maritime cooperation, and sustainable development.
The visit comes on the heels of a food security summit hosted by Itamaraty with several African nations, highlighting Brazil’s intent to serve as a global leader in technical cooperation with the Global South.
President Lourenço’s itinerary includes meetings with members of Brazil’s National Congress, the Supreme Federal Court, and prominent business leaders. On Saturday, he is expected to meet with African ambassadors and CARICOM representatives in Brasília, promoting deeper Afro-Latin solidarity.
For President Lula, the visit marks a reaffirmation of Brazil’s pivot towards Africa — a hallmark of his earlier presidencies. “Africa is not a forgotten continent. It is a partner in shaping the new world order,” Lula declared.
By AfricaHeadline.com News Desk
📍 Brasília Bureau
🕒 Published 23 May 2025 – 12:30 BRT
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