In early-december 2024‚ President Biden made his long-awaited first trip to Angola which started with traditional state-visit elements: a twelve-shot cannon welcome and formal greetings with President João Lourenço (who showed great hospitality during the whole ceremony)
The diplomatic meet-up – featuring ceremonial music and photo-ops – took an un-expected turn when media representatives brought up domestic matters. When asked about his sons recent pardon which contradicted his earlier statements Biden tried to move past reporters questions with a light-hearted gesture towards his Angolan counter-part saying: “Welcome to America“
The state-visit agenda included:
- Trade partnership talks
- Regional security discussions
- Clean energy cooperation
- Economic development plans
The high-profile gathering showed how international diplomacy can get mixed up with home-country politics – creating an interesting cross-cultural moment at the presidential palace in Luanda