Luanda, Aug. 5, 2026 (Lusa) - Defence relations between Angola and the United States are currently at «an unprecedented level of trust», said Angola's secretary of state for the Defence Industry.
Afonso Neto was speaking at the opening of the second meeting of the Angola–United States Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (DEFCOM), on Wednesday, which aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the field of defence and security.
According to Afonso Neto, the strong relations between the two countries in the defence sector are the result of frank dialogue, pragmatic cooperation and a convergence of strategic interests regarding international security.
The Angolan minister noted that the government is continuing to implement the programme to modernise the armed forces, with the aim of achieving technological advancement and logistical and operational efficiency, enabling them to respond to the challenges of this century.
«This transformation inevitably involves investment in human capital, innovation, digitalisation, interoperability between forces and the gradual development of the defence industrial base,» he said.
He emphasised that the Angolan government's vision is not limited to the acquisition of equipment, but also extends to the development of national expertise, the promotion of technology transfer, the stimulation of scientific research, the encouragement of local production, and the establishment of sustainable partnerships.
According to Neto, a robust defence industry represents simultaneously an instrument of national sovereignty, a factor in economic diversification, and an opportunity to generate highly skilled employment.
«In this area, we need to identify key opportunities for cooperation between the Republic of Angola and the United States, involving public institutions, universities, research centres and companies in the defence sector,» he emphasised.
He stressed that Angola is keen to continue deepening cooperation in areas such as peacekeeping operations, participation in joint exercises, academic exchanges between military institutions, and the development of innovative solutions to common security challenges.
In the face of challenges in the international order, security must be understood from an integrated perspective, where diplomacy, defence, economic development and international cooperation work in a complementary manner, he continued.
Angola's privileged geographical position, facing the South Atlantic and situated in a region of great strategic importance on the African continent, confers increased responsibilities on the country, he added.
He emphasised that Angola is firmly committed to preserving peace and stability in Southern Africa, Central Africa and the Gulf of Guinea, actively contributing to initiatives on conflict prevention, political mediation, maritime security and the fight against transnational crime.
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