The discussions also come ahead of the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference and Exhibition – taking place September 9-10, with a pre-conference day on September 8 – where international cooperation and cross-border investment are expected to dominate the agenda. As Angola deepens ties across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, the event is increasingly emerging as a strategic forum for shaping the next phase of international cooperation in the country’s oil and gas development.

Angola and Gabon took steps toward enhancing bilateral cooperation through a visit by Gabonese President Brice Nguema to Luanda in May. President Nguema toured the Luanda Refinery - the country’s largest operational facility - alongside Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas Diamantino Azevedo. The visit reinforced the strategic importance of the infrastructure, according to a statement by the Ministry, while opening doors to future collaboration between the two countries in the oil and gas sector. 

Russia’s engagement with Angola reflected the continued strategic relevance of energy diplomacy between Luanda and Moscow. During a meeting between Minister Azevedo and Russia’s Chargé d’Affaires Alexander Bryantsev on May 5, discussions focused on expanding cooperation in oil, gas and mining, as well as opportunities tied to technical expertise and industrial development. The engagement comes as Russia seeks to maintain and expand its presence across African energy markets amid broader geopolitical realignments.

Minister Azevedo also met with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Shannon Cazeau. Discussions also focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in oil, gas and infrastructure development, while also addressing investment opportunities across strategic sectors. The meeting reinforced Angola’s importance within Washington’s broader African investment and energy strategy, while highlighting the country’s emergence as a gateway for regional trade, refining and industrial development.

Angola’s engagement with Japan highlighted the growing importance of Asian partnerships in the country’s long-term industrial strategy. During a meeting between Minister Azevedo and Japanese Ambassador to Angola Hiroaki Sano, both sides explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation in mining, hydrocarbons and energy transition technologies. The discussions reflect Japan’s continued interest in securing long-term access to strategic resources while expanding industrial collaboration across Africa.

Taken together, the meetings highlight Angola’s growing use of energy diplomacy as an economic strategy. Rather than pursuing isolated bilateral engagements, the country is building a diversified network of partnerships tied to upstream investment, downstream expansion, infrastructure development and industrialization. As global energy markets continue to face volatility driven by geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, Angola is leveraging diplomacy to strengthen its position within evolving international energy flows.

AOG 2026 is expected to build on this momentum by providing a platform where governments, operators, financiers and service providers can translate diplomatic engagement into commercial partnerships. As the country’s premier event for the oil and gas sector, the event offers a unique opportunity for global partners to connect with Angolan leaders, strengthen partnerships and advance critical projects.