Africa-Press – Angola. The Angolan ambassador to Washington, Agostinho Van-Dúnem, said on Friday that relations between Angola and the United States of America will receive a new boost after the signing of the peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.
The diplomat stressed that President João Lourenço’s direct involvement in the process reinforces Angola’s status as an indispensable partner for peace, security, and economic development on the African continent.
On Thursday, the Angolan head of state witnessed the signing of the peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda by presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame in a ceremony sponsored by Donald Trump, the president of the United States.
Speaking to the press after accompanying Foreign Minister Teté António on his visit to the African Union mission headquarters in the US, the Angolan ambassador stressed that the economic component foreseen in the agreement signed this week opens new opportunities for cooperation with the United States and the countries of the Great Lakes region.
“Angola emerges with a strengthened position as an actor for peace and regional integration, and will continue to work with American and African authorities to implement the commitments made,” he stressed.
Investments in the Lobito Corridor
Agostinho Van-Dúnem also addressed the joint declaration issued this week by the United States and the European Union, which reaffirms the commitment to invest in the Great Lakes region and the Lobito Corridor.
According to the diplomat, the embassy is working to mobilize financing and attract business interests to Angola and the region.
“The Lobito Corridor is a priority and encompasses much more than rail transport. It involves agriculture, telecommunications, energy, roads and all the externalities that boost local economies,” the diplomat said.
The ambassador recalled that the mission in Washington promotes meetings between businesspeople, identifies sources of financing, and organizes initiatives such as the United States-Africa Business Summit held in Angolan capital, Luanda.
He emphasized that Angola, as the current leader of the African Union, will continue to defend structuring projects that promote peace, security, and development on the continent.
“With stability in the region and robust investments, all Angolans will be able to benefit from more jobs, better salaries, better education, and greater access to energy and water. This is the path we are building,” he said.
Migration Issues
When questioned about the situation of Angolan citizens detained or facing deportation in the United States, the ambassador informed that the diplomatic mission is intensifying awareness campaigns within the community, highlighting the need for legal entry, respect for the period of stay, and strict compliance with US law.
Agostinho Van-Dúnem acknowledged the existence of a stricter immigration policy in force in the US, which affects citizens of various nationalities, including Angolans.
The diplomatic representation, he added, provides legal support, ensures guidance, finances law firms, and promotes community workshops.
“Our goal is to ensure that those who have to be deported are deported with dignity. We do not want to repeat negative episodes experienced by citizens of other countries,” he stated.
According to the diplomat, more than 20 Angolans have been deported in recent months on commercial or chartered flights carrying citizens of various nationalities.
He also spoke of the need for Angola to strengthen the mechanisms for issuing identification documents, noting that inconsistencies in the data have placed some citizens in critical situations in the US. He therefore welcomed the announcement of the future launch of Angolan electronic passports.
US concerns about Angolan documents
Regarding the perception of weaknesses in Angolan documents, the ambassador clarified that the passports are secure and authentic, with the main challenge being access to the basic documentary process.
He explained that greater rigor needs to be ensured in the issuance of identity cards and birth certificates.
He revealed that the US expects Angola to resolve this issue quickly, to avoid restrictions that are already affecting other countries.
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