UK strengthens ties with Angola and S茫o Tom茅 and Pr铆ncipe
Bharat Joshi presented his credentials in S茫o Tom茅 and Pr铆ncipe to be the UK Ambassador to Angola and S茫o Tom茅 and Pr铆ncipe.
Bharat Joshi's accreditation ceremony in Angola.
This visit to S茫o Tom茅 and Pr铆ncipe marked a significant step in strengthening the collaboration between the UK and S茫o Tom茅 and Pr铆ncipe. During his visit, Ambassador Bharat Joshi met with President Carlos Vila Nova, Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada, and other key officials to discuss ongoing projects and future initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development.
In addition to diplomatic meetings, Ambassador Joshi engaged with Chevening alumni, underscoring the importance of education and international leadership. As part of the UK鈥檚 commitment to women鈥檚 empowerment, he also delivered health and hygiene kits to young women.
UK Ambassador, Bharat Joshi and the President of the Republic of S茫o Tom茅 and Pr铆ncipe, Carlos Vila Nova at the accreditation ceremony.
Reflecting on his visit, Ambassador Bharat Joshi stated:
I presented my Diplomatic Credentials鈥攁 formal letter from King Charles III recommending me as the United Kingdom Ambassador鈥攖o His Excellency the President of S茫o Tom茅 and Pr铆ncipe. This ancient tradition, which dates back thousands of years to when Hittite and Egyptian Kings exchanged letters supporting their envoys, is rich in protocol. The ceremony included an inspection of the Presidential Guard, red carpets, and introductions to the Head of State鈥檚 Cabinet. It was a powerful reminder of the honour I have to represent the British Government and lead our diplomatic relationship with international partners like S茫o Tom茅 and Pr铆ncipe (STP).
I discussed with the President and his Ministers the UK鈥檚 support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), our ambitions for COP29, and the historic support the UK has provided to STP. We explored ways to deepen bilateral relations, including support for clean energy generation, green tourism, professional training, and English language initiatives, as well as fostering more people-to-people connections鈥攂uilding on the strong ties of the 20,000 S茫o Tomeans who now call the UK home.
The following week, Ambassador Joshi had the honour of presenting his credentials to Angolan President Jo茫o Louren莽o.
UK Ambassador, Bharat Joshi and President of the Republic of Angola, Jo茫o Louren莽o.
Reflecting on his meeting with President Jo茫o Louren莽o, Ambassador Bharat Joshi stated:
After presenting my credentials to President Louren莽o, we had a productive discussion on deepening trade and investment ties, with a particular focus on sustainable development initiatives. I am delighted to be in Angola and look forward to immersing myself in its rich culture and history in the times ahead.
Ambassador Joshi鈥檚 visit to S茫o Tom茅 and Pr铆ncipe, where he was officially accredited, followed by his return to Angola, where he is now based and also accredited, reaffirms the UK鈥檚 commitment to fostering strong and sustainable bilateral relations with both nations.
Jonathan Das, 2nd Secretary; Sarah Jackson, Deputy Head of Mission; British Ambassador to Angola, British Joshi; President of the Republic of Angola, Jo茫o Louren莽o; Angolan Minister of Foreign Affairs (from left to right).