The US president has said he plans to travel to the African nation
US President Joe Biden said on Thursday he will travel to Angola, as Washington seeks to strengthen relations with African nations. The last time an American president visited the continent was in 2015, when Barack Obama traveled to Kenya and Ethiopia.
Biden made the announcement during a meeting at the White House with Angolan President Joao Lourenco, who is in the US on a working visit.
“I have been there and I will be back,” the US president said when asked about visiting the southern African nation.
While Biden did not specify when he would make the trip to Angola, Lourenco said an invitation would be sent at a later date.
“We’ll negotiate the dates when the visit will take place,” the Angolan leader said.
The US president pledged last year to visit Africa in 2023 and enhance ties with the continent’s countries as Washington vies for influence with China and Russia. Despite the year drawing to a close Biden has yet to fulfill his promise but has, however, taken last-minute trips to Israel, Vietnam, and Ukraine.
During talks with Angola’s president on Thursday, Biden sought to reiterate his commitment to reviving ties with Africa while also promoting major US investments on the continent.