Angola Celebrates 49th Independence anniversary, Strengthening ties with Qatar

DOHA, Nov. 17, 2024 – Angola marked its 49th Independence Day with a reception in Doha, beginning with the national anthems of Angola and Qatar. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including H.E. Mohammed Al Mannai, Qatar’s Minister of Communication and Information Technology; H.E. Ambassador Ibrahim Fakrou, Director of the Protocol Department; and H.E. Khalifa Al Sherif, Acting Director of African Affairs. Diplomats, international organization representatives, and Angolan expatriates also attended.
The Angolan ambassador, addressing the gathering, expressed gratitude to the attendees and highlighted the nation’s journey since gaining independence from Portuguese rule on November 11, 1975. Angola, the 7th largest African country with over 34 million inhabitants, achieved sovereignty under the leadership of Dr. António Agostinho Neto of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). However, post-independence hopes were overshadowed by a prolonged civil war that lasted nearly 28 years, delaying the nation’s development.
The ambassador emphasized the pivotal 2002 Luena Agreement, which ended the war and fostered national reconciliation. This milestone set Angola on a path of reconstruction and development, improving living conditions and unlocking the nation’s potential. Angola continues to rebuild with the support of international allies, including Qatar.
Highlighting the similarities between Angola and Qatar, the ambassador noted that both nations are resource-rich, with Qatar being a global leader in natural gas exports and Angola ranking among Africa’s top producers of oil and gas. Angola also possesses abundant mineral resources, water reserves, arable land, and a favorable climate, offering significant opportunities for foreign investment.
Since President João Lourenço’s visit to Qatar in 2019, bilateral relations have strengthened, particularly in oil and gas, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, energy, and tourism. Angola provides attractive incentives, including tax reductions, to foreign investors. The ambassador expressed optimism about Qatar’s potential role in accelerating Angola’s economic growth.
Regionally, Angola plays a key role in promoting peace and stability in Africa. As the African Union’s Champion for Peace and Reconciliation, President Lourenço has led initiatives to address insecurity in the Great Lakes Region and across the continent. The ambassador reiterated Angola’s commitment to peaceful resolutions in global conflicts, including the crises in Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Middle East.
Reflecting on the Israel-Palestine conflict, the ambassador echoed President Lourenço’s call for an independent and sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel. Citing Angola’s history, the ambassador underscored that lasting peace is only achievable through dialogue and mutual concessions. Angola commended Qatar’s diplomatic efforts in mediating Middle Eastern conflicts, aiming for regional peace and stability.
Concluding the address, the ambassador praised Qatar’s remarkable success in hosting international events, underscoring its dynamism and global influence. The event celebrated Angola’s resilience and its evolving partnership with Qatar, signifying shared aspirations for growth and prosperity.