JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Arif Havas Oegroseno said that Angola and Indonesia need each other to manage common challenges, while facing the reality of a global order that may no longer prioritize Global South countries.
This was said by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Havas in the 2nd Bilateral Political Consultation meeting in Jakarta, Monday (15/6).
In the meeting led jointly by Wamenlu Havas and Secretary of State for Foreign Relations (Wamenlu) of the Republic of Angola Esmeralda Bravo Conde da Silva Mendonça, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries, launching the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday (18/6)
In the political field, both countries emphasized the importance of regular political consultations and strengthening inter-institutional coordination as the foundation of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Angola. To strengthen bilateral relations, the President of Angola, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, is scheduled to visit Indonesia in August 2026.
In terms of nominations to international organizations, Angola asked for Indonesia's support for the nomination of senior diplomat Josefoa Sacko as FAO Director-General for the period 2027-2031. Angola conveyed support and appreciation for Indonesia's leadership in the UN Human Rights Council this year.
Both parties also welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation as an important institutional framework to encourage cooperation in various priority sectors. Through this mechanism, both countries agreed to strengthen cross-ministerial and inter-agency coordination to evaluate the development of cooperation and identify new collaboration initiatives.
In the economic sector, the two countries agreed to accelerate the finalization of a number of bilateral cooperation MoUs in various priority sectors, including industrial cooperation, oil and gas, agriculture, and fisheries. This follows an increase in bilateral trade in 2025 and emphasizes the importance of diversifying trade commodities and expanding economic cooperation. Indonesia also encourages the participation of Angolan business actors in various trade exhibitions in Indonesia, including the Trade Expo Indonesia 2026.
Both countries identified a number of potential sectors to be developed together, including agro-industry, agriculture, food processing, fertilizers, fisheries, and light manufacturing industries. In the energy sector, both parties emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in oil and gas, including through increased involvement between PT Pertamina and Sonangol in crude oil supplies, upstream and downstream investments, as well as accelerating the finalization of the MoU on Cooperation in the Oil and Gas Sector.
In the field of social culture and people-to-people contact, Indonesia and Angola agreed to explore cooperation in the health sector, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, vaccine research and development, local production, and the development of health workers. In addition, the two countries appreciate the implementation of visa-free facilities for holders of diplomatic and service passports. Currently, Angola is exempt from short-term visit visas for Indonesian citizens holding ordinary passports.
In the development cooperation, both parties reviewed the implementation of various capacity-building programs, technical cooperation, and scholarship schemes which were considered to contribute positively to strengthening bilateral relations and inter-community relations. Indonesia also encourages increased participation of Angolan participants in scholarship and technical training programs offered by Indonesia.
Indonesia and Angola also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the dynamics in the Middle East and the importance of maintaining security and openness of international navigation routes in accordance with international law. Indonesia also expressed its appreciation for Angola's leadership as the Chair of the African Union in 2025 and welcomed the opportunity to increase Indonesia's involvement with the African Union, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).
"Currently, Indonesia and Angola are working to answer various challenges, ranging from energy issues, security, food security, to formulating new diversification strategies that are domestic needs," explained Minister of Foreign Affairs Wamenlu Havas.
"This is a big homework for many countries. At a time when the global order may no longer prioritize the Global South countries, this is the reality we must face: we must start taking care of each other and relying on our own strengths. Therefore, Angola and Indonesia need each other to be able to manage this challenge together," he concluded.
At the end of the consultation, the two delegations agreed to hold the 3rd Indonesian-Angolan Political Consultation meeting at a time and place to be agreed through diplomatic channels.
Indonesian-Angolan diplomatic relations have been established for 25 years, intertwined with the establishment of close relations that are actualized through various result-oriented partnerships. This meeting is a momentum to reaffirm the commitment to bilateral cooperation as well as the expansion of partnerships in various sectors after the opening of the Angolan Embassy in Jakarta in 2025.
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