Angola–France relations
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Franco-Angolan relations are foreign relations between France and Angola. Relations between the two countries have not always been cordial due to the former French government's policy of supporting militant separatists in Angola's Cabinda province and the international Angolagate scandal embarrassed both governments by exposing corruption and illicit arms deals.[1] Following French President Nicolas Sarkozy's visit in 2008, relations have improved.
History
Agostinho Neto, the leader of the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), declared the independence of the People's Republic of Angola on November 11, 1975, in accordance with the Alvor Accords.[2] National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) and the National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA) also declared Angolan independence as the Social Democratic Republic of Angola based in Huambo and the Democratic Republic of Angola based in Ambriz. The Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC), armed and backed by the French government, declared the independence of the Republic of Cabinda in Paris.[3]
Diplomatic missions
Francis Blondet is the ambassador of France to Angola.[4]
State visits
President José Eduardo dos Santos traveled to France, Italy, and Spain, meeting with politicians and business leaders in September 1984.[5]
In 1998, President Jacques Chirac visited Angola.[6]
French President Sarkozy visited Angola in May 2008.[1][7] During this visit, Sarkozy said his aim in meeting his Angolan counterpart, President dos Santos, was "to turn the page from the misunderstandings of the past and build a future based on trust and mutual respect".[6]
During this visit, Sarkozy announced greatly increased French assistance to Angola:[8]
France wishes to play a full part in the rebuilding of Angola in every sphere, in infrastructure as well as in human resources. As regards infrastructure, we have already decided to resume the activities of the French Development Agency (AFD) which will fund major projects in the fields of energy, water, sanitation, and also in vocational training. An AFD agency will reopen in Luanda before the end of 2008.
Agreements
During Sarkozy's 2008 visit, four cooperation and development accords were signed in the areas of health, sanitation, higher education and French language instruction.[6]
Trade and investment
In 2008, French defence and security company Thales won a contract worth approximately 140 million EUR to supply a secure telecommunications network for the Angolan government.[9] Also in 2008, French bank Société Générale opened USD300 million of credit lines to finance trade between the two countries.[10]
In 2007, France imported €541 million worth of goods to Angola which meant that France was Angola's 6th highest importer.[11]
See also
References
- 1 2 http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-05-23-sarkozy-to-mend-fences-with-angola
- ↑ Rothchild, Donald S. (1997). Managing Ethnic Conflict in Africa: Pressures and Incentives for Cooperation. pp. 115–116.
- ↑ Mwaura, Ndirangu (2005). Kenya Today: Breaking the Yoke of Colonialism in Africa. pp. 222–223.
- ↑ "Angola: France, Country to Rebuild Ties After Decade". BuaNews via allAfrica. 2007. Retrieved 2007-12-29.
- ↑ Kalley, Jacqueline Audrey (1999). Southern African Political History: A Chronology of Key Political Events from Independence to Mid-1997. p. 26.
- 1 2 3 "President Sarkozy visits Angola".
- ↑ http://www.france24.com/en/20080523-sarkozy-angola-mend-ties-angola-france
- ↑ http://www.ambafrance-uk.org/President-Sarkozy-gives-interview,10724.html?var_recherche=investiture
- ↑ http://tempsreel.nouvelobs.com/depeches/economie/20080523.REU6439/thales_et_socgen_signent_en_angola_total_pousse_fort.html
- ↑ "Thales to land 140 million euro Angola telecoms order - govt officials". Forbes. 2008-05-22.
- ↑ http://www.ambafrance-ao.org/spip.php?article367
External links
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