Washington D.C., 13 July 2022 (TDI): The US offers its condolences on the death of former Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos.
The United States offers condolences on the death of former Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos, who oversaw the country’s remarkable reintegration and transition to peace during the complex post-colonial era. https://t.co/t8MgyuWCgf
— Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) July 12, 2022
In a press release by the Spokesperson’s office, the US appreciated the consequential role of the former President in Angola’s history.
President José Eduardo dos Santos
The former President José Eduardo dos Santos served as Foreign Minister and as President during the struggle for Angola’s independence.
He served as the President of Angola from 1979 to 2017, after serving as Angola’s first Prime Minister.
The former President managed Angola’s transition to peace during the challenging post-colonial era following the nation’s protracted civil war.
Former President Dos Santos passed away on July 8, in a hospital in Barcelona, Spain, after a long illness.
US-Angola Relations
The US established diplomatic relations with Angola in 1993, following its independence from Portugal in 1975.
Angola is the third-largest trading partner of the US in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly because of its petroleum exports. US exports to Angola include machinery, aircraft, poultry, and iron and steel products.
Both the states have signed a trade and investment framework agreement. The trade agreement between the states seeks to promote greater trade and investment between them.
Currently, Angola is also eligible for trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
Different US assistance programs in Angola focus on preventing major infectious diseases, strengthening health systems, and building capacity within non-governmental organizations.
The US also provides technical assistance to Angola’s financial sector. In addition to that, the US works to build the tourism sector through support for environmental conservation and demining.
The US has worked with Angola to remove thousands of landmines and promote environmental conservation. It has also assisted war refugees and internally displaced people in their safe return to their homes.
The United States remains committed to strengthening its strategic partnership with Angola and deepening the relationship between the American and Angolan people.
