President Ramaphosa Strengthens South Africa-Angola Ties with Successful Visit to Luanda

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has wrapped up a significant working visit to the Republic of Angola, reaffirming the longstanding camaraderie and cooperative ties between the two nations. The trip to Luanda, the Angolan capital, at the invitation of President João Lourenço, centered on impactful discussions spreading across bilateral relationships, political evolution, and regional stability.

During their deliberations, both leaders highlighted the mutual journey of strengthening economic and investment connections, building upon the success of their existing relations. President Ramaphosa commended Angola's contributory role to peace in the contentious Great Lakes Region, particularly acknowledging President Lourenço's instrumental involvement in brokering a ceasefire between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. This ceasefire, facilitated under the so-called Luanda Process, has Angola committed to overseeing its adherence moving forward.

Angola's earnest interest in the political strides within South Africa was matched by President Ramaphosa's reciprocal regard for Angola's progression. This exchange underscores the solidarity derived from their shared history and aspirations for advancement. The visit also allowed President Ramaphosa to extend a cordial invitation for a State visit to his Angolan counterpart, an offer that President Lourenço graciously accepted, promising a deeper rapprochement between the two countries.

The headway in diplomatic interactions is not merely symbolic; both South Africa and Angola are conscientious signatories of the 2013 Framework Agreement for Peace, Security, and Cooperation in the DRC and the wider region. Their continued partnership is essential for the ambition of transforming the current ceasefire into a durable peace.

President Ramaphosa, underlining the productive nature of the visit, was accompanied by key government figures, Minister Ronald Lamola of International Relations and Cooperation, and Minister Angie Motshekga of Defence. Their inclusion highlights the broad spectrum of interests and sectors affected by South African-Angolan ties and the unified approach towards foreign policy and international cooperation emphasized by the South African government.

Looking ahead, the projected State visit by President Lourenço to South Africa is set to signal a reinforced alliance and shared dedication to both regional stability and mutual prosperity. This diplomatic endeavor aligns with South Africa’s foreign policy objectives, emphasizing the nation's strategic role in mediating conflicts and fostering collective economic growth in the continent.