Since independence, Portuguese–Angolan relations have been constrained by their historical past and by Angola’s own internal vicissitudes. However, the end of Angola’s civil war in 2002, and the stability and national reconciliation process that followed, marked the start of a visible mutual effort in advancing the bilateral relationship. Although some past issues have been left unresolved, regular political contact between both countries’ authorities has supported an increased rapprochement and created new opportunities for bilateral engagement. Wide co-operation avenues, an overall co-ordination in terms of foreign policy and extensive economic and trade ties have embedded the present strategic partnership in both countries’ foreign priorities. In turn, this has also strengthened Portugal’s position in withstanding competition from other international suitors in Angola.

Written by by Pedro Seabra and Paulo Gorjão at the South African Institute of International Affairs