Cuito – The historic visit to Angola by US President Joe Biden will consolidate Angola's position as one of the main political and economic powers in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The statement was made by the professor of Public International Law at the Instituto Superior Politécnico Ndunduma do Bié, Pascoal Pedro, in reaction on Wednesday, to the visit of the US president to Angola.
Pascoal Pedro highlighted the importance of this meeting for Angola's integration in the international political arena and its relationship with the US, which holds global political hegemony.
In his view, the choice of Angola as the destination for the American president's visit reflects the recognition of the country's strategic relevance in the SADC region and the African continent.
The expert also mentioned the United States' interest in investing in the Lobito Corridor, a vital infrastructure in Southern Africa, whose analysis of the agreements is one of the central points of this visit that could boost SADC's economic development.
In his opinion, this corridor is a strategic factor that can facilitate regional economic integration, allowing SADC countries to collaborate more effectively and achieve sustainable growth.
In this way, he continued, this will open doors for investments and partnerships that could transform the local economy, especially through the development of the Lobito Corridor.
He considered Joe Biden's visit a significant step for Angola in the international arena and consolidating its role as one of the greatest political powers and promoter of regional socioeconomic development.
"Joe Biden's visit could be a watershed for Angola's image, promoting greater visibility and prestige on the international stage," he stated.
Although he recognizes the political uncertainties that may arise with the transition in the US presidency, Pascoal Pedro expressed optimism regarding the continuity of American interest in cooperating with Angola.
"I believe that, regardless of the transition in the presidency, the strategic interests of the US in relation to Angola, based on terms of bilateral cooperation, will remain. Like Joe Biden, I think that his successor, Donald Trump, will recognize the importance of this partnership", he highlighted.
Finally, the professor appealed to the Angolan government to take advantage of the opportunities created by this visit and implement the agreements being discussed with the United States.
"It is essential that Angola makes the most of this partnership with one of the greatest economic powers in the world, seeking not only immediate benefits, but long-term sustainable development to guarantee the well-being of the Angolan people", he concluded.
The United States and Angola have maintained diplomatic and bilateral relations for more than 30 years, which have deepened with regular engagements at the level of senior officials and increasing cooperation in relation to common key objectives.
In 2023, trade agreements between the two countries totaled approximately 1.77 billion US dollars, which made Angola Washington's fourth largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa. VKY/PLB/AMP
