From Ducky, re Angola,
US AND ANGOLA COMMIT TO EXPANDING TIES
First Meeting of Bilateral Consultative Commission Ushers in New Era of Cooperation
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, DC, October 5, 1999:Senior Angolan and US officials inaugurated the Bilateral Consultative Commission (BCC) with talks on September 30-October 1, initiating a new era of cooperation and consultation between the two countries. Angolan Ambassador to the US, Antonio dos Santos Fran‡a, stated that "the talks covered all major issues in the bilateral relationship. We discussed expanding trade and investment, US support for Angola's economic and financial stabilization and reform programs, cooperation and coordination on regional issues, and US assistance to address urgent humanitarian needs." The Ambassador added that the talks were very successful in "taking concrete steps to improve US-Angola relations, implement specific projects and identify new areas of cooperation that will take this relationship to a new level."
The meetings included discussions on how to more effectively enforce UN sanctions against UNITA, continue the peace and reconciliation process, identify the means to further promote human rights, combat terrorism, crime and narcotics trafficking, and promote cooperation between Angola and its neighbors.
The Ambassador highlighted the importance of the September 30 meeting between Angolan and US officials and the US corporate community. He noted that "this meeting was particularly important in demonstrating the Angolan Government's high level of interest in promoting the more active participation of US companies in developing the country. We discussed specific projects, such as trade missions, with a view to expanding US investment in the petroleum sector and beyond." These talks included a discussion on a series of reforms to promote confidence among foreign investors. The Angolan delegation underscored the Government's commitment to open the economy, facilitate trade, and increase transparency. The delegation also identified specific investment projects and discussed sectors that may be privatized, thereby offering additional investment targets for US companies.
In connection with the BCC, the Angolan delegation also met with members of Congress on September 29. The discussion focussed on how Congress can help Angola address matters such as enforcing sanctions against UNITA, increasing trade and investment and supporting the work of the BCC. Importantly, the meeting enabled the Angolan delegation to brief the members on the situation in Angola and to reiterate that Angola places a priority on bolstering relations with the US.
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For Further Information Contact:
Evaristo Jose at 202-785-1156
angola@angola.org |
