Joe Biden, fulfilling his promise to visit Africa before leaving the White House, became the first President of the United States of America (USA) to visit Angola. He was received by João Lourenço, his Angolan counterpart, at the Presidential Palace in Luanda, receiving military honors and a 21-gun salute.

His visit, considered symbolic, underscores the strengthening of relations between Angola and the United States and marks a decisive moment in American foreign policy toward the African continent.

Among the highlights were the announcement of €960 million in humanitarian aid to Africa and the promotion of the Lobito Corridor, a strategic project for African infrastructure, with investments of €2,8 billion, supported by the US.

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Joe Biden's arrival in Angola was met with great enthusiasm. Posters greeted the American president with messages such as "Welcome to Angola"and "Welcome to Angola", highlighting the diplomatic impact of this visit. Biden was received at the Presidential Palace by President João Lourenço, where the two discussed key issues such as economic cooperation, security, and sustainable development.

During the meeting, Biden emphasized that his presence in Angola reaffirms the US's commitment to the African continent.

“We are here to build bridges, not just economic ones, but also cultural and social ones,” he said.

Lobito Corridor

One of the highlights of Biden's visit was the focus on the Lobito Corridor, an ambitious railway project with investments of €2,8 billion. This corridor connects the Angolan port of Lobito to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia, regions rich in mineral resources such as copper and cobalt.

“This project will strengthen the local economy and create new opportunities for export and international cooperation.”

John Kirby, Biden's national security spokesman, noted that this infrastructure, co-financed by the US, the European Union, and other Western partners, is seen as an alternative to Chinese influence on the continent.

According to experts, the Lobito Corridor represents an attempt by the United States to strategically compete with Russia and China in the critical minerals market.

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Another memorable moment of the visit was Joe Biden's visit to the National Slavery Museum in Luanda. The site, once the site of slave-trading operations, has become a symbol of memory and historical reconciliation, where, in an emotional speech, he acknowledged the impact of the transatlantic slave trade.

"While we acknowledge this painful past, it is imperative that we work together for a future where human dignity is universally respected," he said.

Humanitarian Assistance

In addition to the economic and cultural focus, Joe Biden announced a humanitarian assistance package worth over $783 billion to support Africans displaced by conflict, drought, and famine. This aid, which includes €177 million from USAID and $XNUMX million from the U.S. State Department, is part of an ongoing U.S. effort to address food insecurity on the continent.

USAID recalled that Africa is the region with the highest percentage of the population experiencing hunger in the world.

“This assistance demonstrates the U.S.’s unwavering commitment to supporting its African partners.”

It is read in the agency's statement.

Impact and Future Perspectives

Biden's visit to Angola reinforces the country's position as a strategic partner of the United States in Africa. Experts believe that cooperation between the two nations could open doors for investment in other areas, such as healthcare, clean energy, and technology.

Although the visit took place at the end of Biden's term, there is an expectation of continuity in the relationship between the two countries, even with the change in administration in the US.

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