Doha, Qatar: As Angola marks its 48th Independence Day (November 11), the country’s envoy to Qatar noted that both countries have room for expanding bilateral and economic ties.
Ambassador H E Antonio Coelho Ramos da Cruz, in a statement to The Peninsula, said both countries established diplomatic relations in 2006 and have since maintained significant relations, including high-level visits that have strengthened political ties and cooperation in regional and international affairs, without detracting from economic activity.
Cruz cited the official visit of the Angolan President H E João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço to Doha in 2019, during which several agreements were signed.
“Since the signing of the various cooperation agreements, the two countries have used the economic aspect as a fundamental tool to create a favourable environment for investment and business. In addition to the energy sector, Angola offers opportunities in the mineralogy, agriculture, infrastructure and tourism sectors without losing sight of education and culture,” stated Cruz, whose country’s embassy in Doha opened in February this year.
“The bilateral relationship is concentrated in the energy sector (oil and gas) where Qatar, one of the largest producers and exporters of these commodities, is interested in investing in agriculture, mineralogy, infrastructure and tourism. Although the level of diplomatic relations has evolved positively with a focus on the energy sector, the potential for cooperation between the two countries has not yet reached the levels of development we want, but there is plenty of room for progress,” he added.
Both countries’ agreements include a protocol for establishing political consultation mechanisms to share and harmonise positions on bilateral, regional, continental and international issues. There is also an agreement to abolish visas for diplomatic and special passports. Recently, Angola exempted Qatari citizens from short-term tourist visas for up to 30 days per entry and 90 days annually.
Meanwhile, other agreements cover a mutual promotion and protection of investments based on the sustainable economic development of the parties.
Besides, there is a comprehensive agreement in the sectors of industry, mining, energy, agriculture, communications, transport, construction, labour and tourism.
Qatar and Angola also have a memorandum of understanding between the Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani) and the Maritime Port Institute of Angola (IMPA) for managing port and maritime systems in Angola. In oil and gas, QatarEnergy has been investing in the Angolan oil sector since 2020.
Also, there is a tender for the concession to manage the terminals at the Port of Lobito (for general cargo and containers and the mineral terminal), the Port of Luanda and other opportunities, both in Cabinda and Namibe.
This agreement will allow Qatari ships to transport Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exported by Angola from the Angola LNG plant in Soyo, in the province of Zaire.
According to the envoy, the priority is to facilitate the implementation of the agreements and cooperation protocols that have been signed, create conditions to strengthen cooperation between the two countries and promote greater awareness of Angola and the countless opportunities it offers to investors, business people and Qatari society in general.
He disclosed that the main aim is to sign an agreement establishing the ‘Bilateral Commission’ between Angola and Qatar – a process he noted is well ‘advanced.’
“More than just signing these instruments, we are evaluating the means of implementing trade cooperation mechanisms between the countries, and at the same time, we are aiming in the first half of 2024 to hold the Bilateral Joint Commission. This will be a time when more senior officials from the two countries can meet again,” he added.
