Angola has called for stronger regional cooperation, enhanced maritime security and the development of ecological logistics corridors along the African Atlantic coastline, at the 7th Ministerial Meeting of the African Atlantic States Process (AASP) held on Monday in Cotonou, Benin.
Angola’s ambassador to Benin, José Bamóquina Zau, represented Foreign Affairs Minister Téte António at the gathering and delivered Luanda’s official position at the forum.
In his address, the diplomat reaffirmed Angola’s commitment to the objectives and principles of the AASP, according to a press release issued to state news agency ANGOP.
Ambassador Zau described the mechanism as a strategic platform for advancing peace, security, sustainable development and regional integration across the African Atlantic space.
He stressed that the African Atlantic is assuming growing geopolitical importance in a context shaped by the reconfiguration of global logistics chains and mounting pressure on natural resources.
Angola, he said, advocates strengthening coordination among member states through information sharing, the reinforcement of institutional capacities, joint maritime surveillance and the adoption of effective mechanisms to prevent and counter transnational threats.
Zau added that developing an integrated blue economy and aligning common positions in major international forums are essential to consolidating a zone of peace, security and prosperity across the African Atlantic.
At the close of the meeting, ministers adopted the Cotonou Declaration, a document that reaffirms the commitment of member states to implementing the AASP Action Plan, which centres on maritime security, ecological logistics corridors and sustainable energy transition.
The African Atlantic States Process, established in 2022, brings together 22 African countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean.
Source: ANGOP
