United States and Angola hold second U.S.-Angola Defense Cooperation Committee meeting

LUANDA, Angola – The second Joint Angolan-American Defense Cooperation Committee (DEFCOM) meeting took place in Luanda on August 5-6, 2026. Hosted by the Angolan Ministry of National Defense and Homeland Veterans, the gathering aimed to strengthen defense ties between the two nations.

Attendees included U.S. Department of War Assistant Secretary for International Security Affairs Mr. Daniel L. Zimmerman, U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Shannon Cazeau, and U.S. Africa Command Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. John Brennan. They engaged with key Angolan officials such as Minister of National Defense Lúcio Gonçalves Amaral, Secretary of State for Military Industry Gen. Afonso Carlos Neto, and Angolan Ambassador to the U.S. Agostinho de Carvalho dos Santos Van-Dúnem. The discussions focused on strategic perspectives and opportunities for mutual cooperation aimed at enhancing regional security.

This meeting highlights a commitment to deepening the partnership between the United States and Angola, underlining Angola’s increasingly prominent role as a leader in southern Africa. The dialogue reinforces a mutual dedication to regional security and shared prosperity.

Since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding of Defense Cooperation in 2017, the two countries have expanded their security collaboration, notably evidenced by the successful co-hosting of the 2026 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Luanda in June.

Please note, this is a developing story and DefSec Wire will provide updated reporting as more information is obtained from our sources.