Angola-Iran Foreign Relations

Economic Relationship:

In December 2009, Angolan and Indian energy companies bought into the Iranian National Oil Company’s South Pars-12 project.[1] Phase 12 of the South Pars gas field is expected to produce three billion cubic feet of gas per day.[2]  Angola’s national oil company, Sonangol, holds 20 percent of the $7.5 billion endeavor while India’s Oil and Natural Gas Corp, ONGC-Hinduja, has 40 percent.[3]

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Diplomatic/Military Relationship:

Iran and Angola have taken initial steps to cultivate bilateral relations. In November 2008, Angolan state media reported that Angola’s President Jose Eduardo dos Santos had accepted an invitation from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, delivered by the Iranian deputy foreign minister, to visit Iran.[4]

During the 14th African Summit in February 2010, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki met Angolan Foreign Minister Assuncao dos Anjos in Addis Ababa.[5] Minister dos Anjos asserted that his country is willing to expand ties with Iran in various domains, pointing to Angola’s rich crude oil reserves and saying his nation welcomes the presence of foreign entities with regards to energy sector cooperation.[6]  Both ministers also favorably discussed the idea of opening embassies in both countries.[7]