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Communiqué of the U.S.-Angola Bilateral Consultative Commission Released by the Bureau of African Affairs Washington, DC, October 13, 2000

Senior officials of the U.S. and Angolan governments, led by Under Secretary Pickering, met in Washington, DC, October 12-13 for the third meeting of the U.S.-Angola Bilateral Consultative Commission (BCC). The BCC has proved an important forum for U.S. and Angolan officials to engage in frank discussions on a broad range of issues. Vice Minister of External Relations Jorge Chicoti led the Angolan delegation. U.S. Officials were briefed on the military situation in Angola. Both the U.S. and Angolan governments agreed on the importance of bringing Angola's civil war to an end based on the Lusaka Protocol. Both sides discussed the humanitarian situation and the Angolan government's program for poverty reduction to improve the lives of the neediest segments of the population affected by the war. The Angolan delegation provided an update on the constitutional reform process, including the electoral law, the draft press law and new commercial code. Both delegations exchanged views regarding Angolan economic reform efforts and progress made in implementing the IMF Staff Monitoring Program. There was general agreement that these efforts are important in improving the investment climate for both Angolan and foreign investors. The Angolan delegation also provided an update on its economic reform efforts and its progress in implementing the IMF Staff Monitored Program. Both sides agreed on the need for peace, economic stability, and transparency efforts as important to improve the investment climate and good governance. The U.S. praised Angola for its announcement that a "Court of Accounts" will open this year and for its willingness to move forward on a diagnostic of its oil accounts. Both sides discussed how trade and investment, especially in the non-oil sector, could be expanded. The two delegations further reviewed cooperation on humanitarian assistance and in combating HIV/AIDS. Both sides agreed on the need to consult closely in these areas and to be attentive to the need to increase funding to address these concerns. The contribution of resources by several companies under the leadership of the U.S.-Angola Chamber to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Angola is most welcome. The U.S. and Angola also exchanged views on the regional situation, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The U.S. and Angolan delegations agreed the basis for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was the Lusaka Accord and committed to continue their dialogue on regional concerns. The U.S. and Angolan delegations agreed that the next meeting of the Bilateral Consultative Commission would be held in Angola in 2001. [end of document] Fact Sheets | African Affairs | Department of State | Secretary of State