Angola turns to expertise of Diamond High Council

Antwerp, 30 March 2000 — The Angolan government has asked the Diamond High Council (HRD) to help them with the installation of a transparent and watertight infrastructure for controlling the diamond trade in Angola. Republic of Angola Vice-Minister for Geology and Mining, Antonio C. Sumbula, today entered into a number of agreements with Mr. Peter Meeus, Managing Director of the HRD.

Mr. Antonio C. Sumbula, Vice-Minister for Geology and Mining of the Republic of Angola accomplished a work session in Antwerp 28 - 30 March 2000. Purpose of the visit was to follow up the earlier agreements between the Angolan and Belgian authorities for a transparent trade of rough diamonds between both countries.

During the reunions it appeared that the new Certificate of Origin that has been introduced a few months ago is successful. The Certificate contains additional security measures that make falsification impossible. The increasing trade of Angolan diamonds in the past months prove the efficiency of the system.

Today, further agreements have been made concerning the Import Confirmation Certificate and the establishment of a new control system in Angola.

Parties reached an agreement over the new form of the Import Confirmation Certificate that is used in addition to the Certificate of Origin. At arrival in Belgium, the document is send back to the Angolan authorities. This creates a total transparency on import and export between both countries. Shipments that arrive by non-official canals, are identified immediately.

Moreover, Minister SUMBULA announced the Angolan Government will establish in Luanda a new control system, comparable to the HRD’s Diamond Office. It will allow a more accurate control on the origin and quality of diamonds. HRD puts its expertise at disposal for setting up the structure. A liaison officer will follow up the collaboration between Belgium and Angola.

HRD sees this collaboration as an example for the African market. Antwerp is willing to elaborate similar initiatives with other African mining countries.