Bangladesh seeks long-term energy cooperation with Angola
In response to global energy challenges, Bangladesh is seeking long-term energy cooperation with Angola, aiming to diversify its fuel import sources.
On Friday, during the presentation of his credentials as Bangladesh's non-resident ambassador to Angola, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria Miah Md Mainul Kabir conveyed the country's call for long-term energy cooperation to Angolan President João Lourenço, according to a press release.
Kabir specifically asked President Lourenço to support Bangladesh's proposal for energy cooperation, stressing the need for a sustained framework and expanded government-business collaboration between the two countries.
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Bangladesh also requested Angola to export petroleum products, citing its ongoing energy crisis since violence erupted in the Middle East in late February.
He proposed initiating direct talks between the relevant authorities and requested Angola's support for Bangladesh's bid for the presidency of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Kabir also briefed President Lourenço about the outcome of the 13th parliamentary election, held on 12 February 2026, noting that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Chairperson Tarique Rahman, achieved an overwhelming majority. He outlined major government initiatives and future plans during the meeting.
The envoy promoted Bangladesh's key exports, requested support to increase exports to Angola, and invited Angolan investors to leverage Bangladesh's promising investment environment. He also sought Angola's cooperation in contract farming, noting Bangladesh's agricultural progress.
President Lourenço conveyed greetings to Bangladesh, acknowledging the country's progress in sectors including ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, petroleum and agriculture. He expressed interest in bilateral cooperation in these areas and assured the high commissioner of his government's full support in advancing Bangladesh's proposals. Lourenço also indicated willingness to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.
Angolan Foreign Minister Téte António attended the Friday meeting. Following the meeting, the ambassador was introduced to senior officials from various ministries, where he conveyed greetings and congratulations from the government and people of Bangladesh to the government and people of Angola.
Angola, sub-Saharan Africa's second-largest crude oil producer, has been working to stabilise output above 1 million barrels per day, while advancing the $6.6 billion Lobito refinery project to reduce dependence on fuel imports.
In recent weeks, Bangladesh has also held discussions with Nigeria on energy cooperation, as the country faces pressure on petroleum supplies amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation and the Bangladesh mission in Nigeria participated in a virtual meeting with NNPC Limited to explore the prospects of importing Nigerian petroleum products.
