Angola–Brazil relations Angola–Brazil relations Angola–Brazil relations refers to the historical and current bilateral relationship between Angola and Brazil. Brazil was the first country to recognize the independence of Angola, in November 1975. Commercial and economic ties dominate the relations of each country. Both countries are former colonies under the Portuguese Empire; Brazil from the early 16th century until its independence in 1822, and Angola until its independence in 1975. Due to their status as former Portuguese colonies and the transatlantic slave trade, Brazil and Angola have a long and important history of economic ties. Period of the transatlantic slave trade In 1646,
Angola–Brazil relations for these slaves included manioc root meal and "cachaça". During Dutch occupation of Angola in early 17th century, Brazil and Portugal acted as "co-colonizers" together in their efforts to reclaim the territory. Brazilian historian Luiz Felipe de Alencastro suggests that this critical historical period cemented Brazil's connection to Angola for the duration of the slave trade, and that the construction of Brazil occurred vis-à-vis the destruction of Angola's indigenous kingdoms. After the fleet of Salvador Correia de Sá e Benevides of Rio de Janeiro successfully expelled the Dutch from Angola in 1648, Angola was essentially under Brazilian rule, thereby "ensuring