Blinken, together with the US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, met this Tuesday with João Lourenço in Washington, on the sidelines of the US-Africa Summit, where they discussed common objectives.
"The United States attaches great importance to the relationship with Angola, a relationship that has been growing stronger, especially under your leadership. And, Mr. President, we also very much appreciate the leadership that Angola has shown in the region, trying to end the conflicts, bring peace, especially with regard to the situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo," said Blinken to João Lourenço, quoted on the official website of the US Government.
According to the Secretary of State, the partnership between Washington and Luanda is "even stronger" and commercial and investment ties "deeper".
On the Twitter social network, Blinken thanked the Angolan head of state for the "democratic and economic reforms" that he had put "in progress".
Lloyd Austin, on the other hand, indicated that the US Department of Defense values the "growing partnership" with Angola and recognized that African leadership continues to be fundamental to strengthen peace, security and governance across the continent.
"Angola is a key leader on the continent. (...) We are pleased to learn that Angola is interested in possible purchases from the United States and we are working with the State Department to respond to its request", he added, without providing further details. about these purchases.
João Lourenço, in turn, stated that Angola is interested in strengthening its cooperation with the US, admitting that there is a "change of game".
"Do not doubt our good intentions regarding this very sensitive step that we are taking if we want to look at the historical past of our relationships", said the Angolan leader, quoted by the US government.
João Lourenço also took the opportunity to make reference to Angola's strategic geographic position, its efforts to attract foreign investment to Angola, especially from North Americans, and the "new 'players'" that are beginning to emerge in different sectors such as telecommunications and production of solar energy.
"Thus, North American investors will come to Angola to invest in all areas of interest without any exception, not only in the energy sector, not only in the exploitation of mineral resources of all kinds, including diamonds and others, which are rare precious minerals. In all these areas, US investment is welcome. This also includes telecommunications, information technologies, 5G. We hope that US companies can pay attention to 5G in Angola, which is important for the our development", he underlined.
Before being interrupted by Blinken, who asked João Lourenço to suspend the statements until the press left the room, the President also mentioned the new international airport in Luanda and the forecast for its completion in 2023, as well as the purchase of new aircraft from Boeing.
The US-Africa Summit runs through Thursday and brings together leaders from across the African continent to discuss ways to strengthen ties and advance shared priorities with the United States.
In total, 49 African heads of state and the chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, were invited to this high-level meeting.
The summit is expected to revive US relations with the African continent, suspended by former President Donald Trump, at a time when China and Russia are advancing with their pawns in the region.
