Luanda - Joe Biden's visit to Angola reflects a multifaceted strategy of the United States to strengthen economic ties, promote peace and regional security, political analyst Domingos Deodato said on Sunday.
In an opinion article consulted by ANGOP, the analyst said that the visit will also support the energy transition.
For Angola, this visit is an opportunity for the US to strengthen its geopolitical position, attract strategic investments and continue its journey of economic and democratic development, he said.
The analyst believes that, in an increasingly interconnected and competitive world, Angola can use this visit to consolidate its role as an important regional player and maximize the benefits of its international partnerships.
As a researcher in International Relations and a member of the Institute for Research and Advanced Studies, Domingos Deodato points out several reasons that bring Biden to Angola.
In his view, one of the main reasons for Biden's visit is the Lobito Corridor, an infrastructure project that aims to connect Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia.
He states that by connecting the Port of Lobito on the Atlantic coast of Angola to the mining regions of the DRC and Zambia, the Lobito Corridor plays a crucial role in the transport of strategic minerals such as copper and cobalt, among other valences.
The other reason, he continued, has to do with regional peace and security.
The Central African region, where Angola is located, faces security challenges due to conflicts in neighboring countries such as the DRC.
Angola has played an important role in mediating regional conflicts, consolidating itself as a key player in promoting stability.
For the US, in Domingos Deodoro's view, a stable and secure Angola is of great interest, especially considering the growing influence of rival powers such as China and Russia in the region.
Biden will probably discuss the expansion of military and defense cooperation with the Angolan government, addressing the fight against terrorism and the promotion of peace, he admitted.
This effort, he said, is also part of a broader strategy to contain non-Western influences on the African continent.
Domingos Deotado is of the opinion that Biden will probably also address issues related to democracy and human rights.
The U.S. has as one of its foreign policy priorities the promotion of democratic values and the strengthening of political institutions in partner countries.
In his reflection, he expresses that the visit of the American President can open space for a more constructive dialogue on political reforms initiated in Angola and on the strengthening of Angolan institutions.
For Angola, improving governance and international reputation can attract more foreign investment and consolidate the country as a positive example of emerging democracy in Africa.
This project, as he writes, is a pillar of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGIl), a G7 initiative that seeks to offer alternatives to China's growing influence in Africa, through its Belt and Road Initiative.ART/DOJ
