Africa-Press – Angola. Angola and Panama signed on Monday, in the Panamanian capital, two legal instruments, to boost bilateral relations in various areas.
This is the memorandum of understanding for the establishment of a political consultation mechanism and the visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic, official, consular and service passports, from both countries, for a period of 90 days.
The two documents were signed by the Angolan side, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Esmeralda Mendonça, and from Panama, Janaína Tewaney Mencomo, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Referring to the two documents, the Angolan diplomat said that they represent a significant advance in the bilateral relationship between Panama and Angola, becoming a milestone after 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The signing ceremony was preceded by a courtesy audience with the Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs and International Cooperation, Yill Otero, in which they reviewed questions on various topics of interest on the common agenda.
Angola highlighted the process of economic diversification and the interest in strengthening bilateral dialogue on investment and cooperation, including triangular cooperation.
On the occasion, the Panamanian diplomat asked for Angola’s support in her candidacy for non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2025-2026
The issue of immigration was also the subject of attention, in the interest of promoting contacts between the competent authorities.
Vice Minister Isbeth Otero expressed concern about the growing number of illegal Angolan immigrants arriving in Panama through the Darien Strait, a closed jungle that interrupts the road that connects the Colombian border with Panama.
In 2023, said the Panamanian official, more than a thousand and 100 immigrants carrying Angolan documents risked their lives and crossed the dangerous Darien jungle with the intention of reaching the United States of America.
He added that, this year, the number continues to grow, according to Panamanian immigration authorities. More than one thousand and fifty supposed Angolans have also passed through Darien, the most impassable and dangerous jungle in Latin America.
Panama is a country in Central America located on the isthmus that connects North and South America. The country has the second largest economy in the region.
Diplomatic relations with Angola were established in 1989.
Panama has been actively working to strengthen its diplomatic ties with African countries, seeking to expand and diversify relations.
This effort resulted in the formalization of diplomatic relations with six (6) African countries (Kenya, Cape Verde, Mauritania, Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe).
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