East Timor and Angola strengthen diplomatic and cooperation ties « Government of Tim-Leste

From 7 to 10 July 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, accompanied the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, on a state visit to Angola aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and Angola.

The Timorese delegation was received at Luanda International Airport by Angolan Foreign Minister, Tete António, and Angolan Ambassador to Timor-Leste, José Andrade de Lemos. The visit included several high-level events and meetings highlighting cooperation between the two countries.

On July 8, Minister Bendito Freitas participated in a lecture given by President José Ramos-Horta to members of the Angolan Diplomatic Academy and other interested persons at the Diplomatic Academy “Venâncio de Moura”. On the same day, the Head of State and Ruler was received at the National Congress.

Also on July 8, Minister Bendito Freitas and President José Ramos-Horta paid tribute to the António Agostinho Neto Monument, recognizing the historical and cultural importance of the founder of the Angolan nation.

One of the most important moments of the visit was the signing of a visa exemption agreement between Timor-Leste and Angola for holders of official and diplomatic passports. The agreement, signed by the two foreign ministers, will facilitate the movement of diplomats and strengthen bilateral cooperation. The two sides also signed a memorandum of understanding to establish cooperation in the field of diplomatic and political consultations, as well as an agreement between the “Venâncio de Moura” Diplomatic Academy and the Timor-Leste Diplomatic Studies Center.

During the visit, Minister Bendito Freitas accompanied the Head of State to the official inauguration of the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Angola, an event that marked an important step in diplomatic relations between the two countries and symbolizes the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Minister Bendito Freitas also participated in a visit to the Angolan Institute of Police and Criminal Sciences (ISCPC) to discuss possible cooperation in the areas of training and security.

The visit culminated in the establishment of a joint Timor-Leste and Angola committee, composed of a technical team at ministerial level, to discuss and promote cooperation in strategic areas such as oil, tourism, agriculture and human resources training. The committee will work to develop an action plan that will benefit both countries.