Angola - International cooperation

Angola, a UN member since 1 December 1976, participates in ECA and all the non-regional specialized agencies except IAEA, IDA, IFAD, and IFC; the nation is a member of the WTO and a signatory to the Law of the Sea. Angola also participates in the African Development Bank, G-77, and AU.

During the struggle against Portuguese rule, economic and political support was provided to the revolutionary groups by the OAU and its member states; organizations such as the World Council of Churches; and some Western nations, including Sweden. The MPLA had strong ties with Cuba, from which it received financial and military aid. As a result of off-shore oil discoveries in the Gulf of Guinea, Angola has recently strengthened cooperation with Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and Principe.