Mozambique: Nyusi optimistic about bilateral relations with Portugal

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Mozambique: Nyusi optimistic about bilateral relations with Portugal

8:53 CAT | 18 Mar 2022

Photo: Lusa

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi on Thursday expressed confidence in the sound growth of bilateral relations between his country and Portugal, which have recorded a great momentum over the last few decades.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Maputo, after bilateral talks held behind closed doors with his Portuguese counterpart, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who arrived in Maputo on Thursday morning for the start of a four day state visit, Nyusi said that common ground is translated into a collective will to deepen relations.

He stressed that both sides are committed to reviewing the overall strategic cooperation programme as well as cooperation in the field of defence.

“Throughout the face to face talks, I thanked the solidarity and brotherhood of the Portuguese people regarding the fight against terrorism, the humanitarian aid that Mozambique has received from this sister country, as well as the intervention to fight the Covid-19 pandemic,” Nyusi said.

The two leaders also addressed other issues regarding the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), where they shared the thought and vision of each country on various aspects including the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Nyusi, who reaffirmed Mozambique’s neutral position regarding the war between the two Eastern European countries, thanked his counterpart for the unconditional support given by Portugal to the country’s candidacy to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

He pointed out the example of several conflicts Mozambique has faced, but to bring them to an end it was necessary to resort to face to face talks. “There is no winner in a war, but when both sides hold talks and reach a deal the outright majority becomes the winner”, he said.

For his part, Rebelo de Sousa stressed the importance of the bilateral summit where the two sides will review relevant matters such as economic and financial cooperation, and the strategic cooperation programme adopted in late 2021.

Rebelo de Sousa also stated that the war between Russia and Ukraine does not jeopardise Portugal’s support for Mozambique’s fight against ISIS terror attacks in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.

Terrorism in Cabo Delgado had begun in October 2017, well before the war in eastern Europe. “It is a matter of principle”, said Rebelo de Sousa, “and Portugal, within the European Union framework, will maintain cooperation in the field of defence”.

Source: AIM