Africa-Press – Angola. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and the leader of the Cuban Revolution, General Raúl Castro Ruz, sent a joint message on Monday to the Angolan Head of State, João Lourenço, reaffirming the historic ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
The letter was delivered in Luanda by Cuban Ambassador Óscar León González during an audience granted to him by Angolan President João Lourenço.
Speaking to the press at the end of the meeting, the Cuban diplomat emphasized the significance of the message, which reflects the mutual interest in strengthening and expanding bilateral cooperation in a year that marks 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Angola and Cuba.
“I delivered a letter to President João Lourenço from Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, leader of the Cuban Revolution, and President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. The main objective of the meeting was to deliver this message,” stated Óscar León González.
During the meeting, topics related to bilateral cooperation were also discussed, with a focus on following up on the consensus reached during the meetings between the two Heads of State in 2023, during high-level official visits held in Luanda and Havana.
The ambassador underscored that the rapprochement between Angola and Cuba is taking place in a favorable context, driven by the economic dynamics in both countries, which represents an opportunity to consolidate and expand existing cooperative ties.
He noted that 2025 will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Angola and Cuba on November 15.
“This anniversary is an excellent opportunity to deepen the friendship between our peoples and expand cooperation in all possible areas,” the diplomat said.
Strategic Partnership Approaching 50 Years
Angola and Cuba maintain a historic, deep, and strategic bilateral cooperation, anchored in ties of political solidarity, mutual support, and technical exchange in the fields of health, education, defense, economy, and culture.
The relationship continues to strengthen with the implementation of new agreements and joint projects.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were formally established on November 15, 1975, just days after Angola’s independence. Since then, Cuba has played a crucial role in supporting the African country, particularly during the armed conflict, sending thousands of soldiers, doctors, teachers, and technicians as an expression of international solidarity. It is estimated that more than 300,000 Cubans have passed through Angola over the past few decades.
In the health sector, Cuban doctors and technicians continue to provide care in Angolan hospitals and rural areas, while Angola regularly sends students for medical training in Cuba. This cooperation has been essential for strengthening the Angolan health system.
In the field of education and staff training, thousands of Angolans have graduated from Cuban institutions since the 1980s, in medicine, engineering, agricultural sciences, education, and aviation. Many of these professionals currently hold prominent positions in Angola’s public and private administration.
Economically, the partnership between the two countries encompasses agriculture, energy, construction, transportation, and industry, with Cuban experts providing technical assistance in various development projects.
Defense cooperation remains one of the most symbolic, with Cuba playing a key role in the training of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA). Military collaboration continues, with technical exchanges and training programs.
Culturally and politically, Angola and Cuba regularly promote joint events, artistic exchanges, and historical celebrations, strengthening the ties between their peoples. This solidarity is frequently highlighted in official speeches and high-level visits.
In 2023, Presidents Miguel Díaz-Canel and João Lourenço held reciprocal visits that resulted in the signing of new bilateral cooperation instruments.
In 2025, the two nations will celebrate half a century of diplomatic relations, with planned commemorative events and new strategic initiatives.
Angola and Cuba envision the future of their partnership based on mutual trust, shared experiences, and a shared desire to deepen cooperation in areas such as technology, science, higher education, and public health.
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