On 13 December 2005 diplomatic relations between the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Republic of Angola were established through the signing of a protocol at the premises of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Order of Malta to the United Nations in New York.

The agreement was signed by Ambassador Robert L. Shafer, Ambassador and Permanent Observer of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the United Nations and Ambassador Ismael Abraao Gaspar Martins, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Angola to the United Nations.

In a joint statement the two ambassadors declared:

“The Republic of Angola and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, desiring to develop and strengthen relations of friendship and cooperation between themselves, have decided to establish Diplomatic Relations at Ambassadorial level. The two parties wish to express their confidence that the establishment of Diplomatic Relations and the exchange of Ambassadors will contribute to the development of international cooperation and the consolidation of world peace.

The two parties affirm their willingness to build their mutual relations in accordance with relevant principles and norms of the United Nations Charter and International Law.”

The addition of the Republic of Angola brings the number of countries sharing diplomatic relations with the Order of Malta to 94.