5th Angola-EU ministerial meeting - Joint way forward
All the versions of this article: [English] [français]
European External Action Service | 8 September 2020
5th Angola-EU ministerial meeting - Joint way forward
– Joint Press Releases
On 8 September 2020, the European Union (EU) and the Republic of Angola held the fifth Ministerial meeting organised under the framework of the EU-Angola Joint Way Forward (JWF). The meeting took place by videoconference. The Joint Way Forward is a dedicated framework for dialogue and cooperation based on common interests and shared values.
The meeting was co-chaired on the EU side by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Mr Josep Borrell Fontelles, and on the Angolan side by the Minister for External Relations of the Republic of Angola, H.E. Mr Tete Antonio. The meeting was also attended on the EU side by the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Mr Valdis Dombrovskis, and on the Angolan side by the Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Victor Fernandes, and the State Secretary for Economy, Mr Mario Caetano.
The Ministerial talks covered a broad spectrum of political and security issues, as well as an exchange on the impact of and response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and on further enhancement of bilateral cooperation, trade relations and cooperation in multilateral fora. The two sides expressed their satisfaction with the JWF as a framework, which remains relevant to a deepening partnership and responsive to the need to tackle together both existing and future challenges.
EU-ANGOLA TRADE COOPERATION
The EU and Angola stressed their ambition to build a solid trade and investment partnership. In order to achieve this, several work streams were discussed.
First, in an effort to promote bilateral, regional and continental trade and investment flows, both sides hope that the EU-SADC EPA accession process of Angola can start as soon as possible in 2020. The aim is to finalise the discussions on the terms of Angola’s accession by 2021. In addition, the EU affirmed its support for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), standing ready to share its expertise with Angola, as well as for the long-term prospect of creating a comprehensive continent-to-continent free-trade area.
Second, both sides confirmed their intention to organise a high-level EU-Angola business event in the first half of 2021, bringing together representatives of business and public authorities with the aim of discussing how jointly to enhance trade and investment. The discussion would focus on sectors with potential for growth and value addition, and on those which could contribute to the diversification of Angola’s production base.
Finally, both sides confirmed their intention to start exploratory discussions on an EU-Angola investment agreement, on top of the EPA, focusing on investment facilitation. Such an arrangement would be a novelty for EU action in the Sub-Saharan region. To support these goals, both sides plan to continue and deepen economic diplomacy activities, focusing on improving the business climate and ensuring conditions conducive to sustainable investment, economic growth and job creation.
FOLLOW-UP
The European Union and Angola reiterated their full commitment to maintaining the Joint Way Forward as a forum for constructive dialogue and cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect, openness, and a commitment to promoting human rights, democracy, the rule of law and transparency. Such a partnership would allow continued future cooperation with a view to tackling bilateral, regional and global challenges in the mutual interest of both Angola and the EU.
The next Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) would be organised in Brussels, during the first half of 2021. This SOM should be dedicated to exploring new avenues for cooperation.
Both sides agreed that the next (sixth) Ministerial Meeting would take place in 2021 in Luanda.
