LUANDA, Aug. 31 (Xinhuanet) -- New United States Ambassador to Angola Chyntia Efird Tuesday pledged to strengthen her country's bilateral economic cooperation with the oil-rich south-western African nation.

    The US diplomat made the remarks at a press briefing after presenting her credentials to President Jose Eduardo dos Santos.

    Efird said she will cooperate with the Angolan government in matters concerning Africa and the rest of the world, as well as contributing to peace consolidation and national reconciliation.

    "Angola faces a very important moment and the peace prevailing in the country must be consolidated," Efird said.

    Angola and the United States established diplomatic relations in May 1993, eight months after the first general elections in Angola after a devastating civil war. The United States has crucial oil-interest in the second largest oil exporter on the world's poorest continent. Enditem