On Thursday, January 25, 2024, in Luanda, Angola, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio, right, take a photo together after their meeting.
While in Luanda on Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken lauded the U.S.-Angola relationship, saying it was “reaching new heights.”
Blinken stated that he had spoken with Angolan President Joao Lourenco about the situation between Rwanda and the DRC and that he was still working to reduce tensions.
Blinken said at a press conference, “We think that the Rwanda process in tandem with the Nairobi process is the best hope of enduring peace.”
The head of US diplomacy also praised Angola for joining the Artemis Accords, which serve as a model for space exploration collaboration among countries taking part in NASA’s lunar exploration initiatives.
Monday marked the start of Blinken’s four-nation tour of Africa. He met with the leaders of Cape Verde and Ivory Coast and praised the United States as the continent’s main economic and security friend during times of regional and global crisis.
The tour focuses on trade, security, and promoting democracy. It takes place at a time when violent conflicts and frequent coups threaten the stability of the continent.
Analysts claim that because President Joe Biden’s administration has become more preoccupied with other global crises including the conflict in Ukraine, the battle between Israel and Hamas, and Africa’s struggle with China, Africa has been neglected.