In an exclusive interview with Sputnik Africa, Tete Antonio, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Angola, highlighted the success of the second ministerial conference as a stepping stone for the Russia-Africa partnership.
"We have reached a very good result," the minister emphasized, speaking on the sidelines of the conference.
According to Antonio, the Russia-Africa ministerial conference in Sochi not only served as a follow-up mechanism to the previous summit of heads of states but also set the groundwork for the upcoming 2026 summit.
The minister also addressed Africa’s priorities in partnerships, stressing that the discussions with Russia have paved the way toward addressing what is currently most important for the African continent, which is pursuing a transformative agenda.
"What matters is how any partner is fitting in our priorities as the continent. [...] Africa should not be looked [at as] a continent to feed, rather a continent which can contribute to feed the world," he stated, underscoring Africa’s potential for industrialization, knowledge transfer, and food sovereignty.
Speaking about Russia, Antonio noted that his country and Russian diamond company Alrosa, which holds a 41% stake in Angola's Catoca diamond mine, discuss measures to overcome the effects of sanctions on partnerships.
“The main issues which create [...] some shortfalls and difficulties were the sanctions imposed on Russia. But I think our countries have been talking,” the minister said.
On the topic of sanctions, Antonio reaffirmed Angola’s stance.
“We are never in favor of sanctions. We have said it for Cuba, we have said for Zimbabwe […]. We think the world should talk and find suitable solutions instead of using sanctions, which definitely only bring difficulties to [everyone],” the Angolan top diplomat said.
Aside from that, the minister clarified his country's position on rejoining the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
“The reasons why we withdrew were not a secret; they were public,” Antonio stated, emphasizing that the conditions leading to Angola's departure remain unchanged. “We don't think returning is the solution.”
Instead, Angola’s focus is on shaping policies that effectively manage its raw materials, particularly oil, to best serve national interests.
Angola announced last December that it would be leaving OPEC over the bloc's oil production quotas. The Angolan oil minister argued that OPEC membership ran counter to the country's national interests.