Mozambique and France to cooperate in maritime security – AIM

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Mozambique and France to cooperate in maritime security – AIM

8:55 CAT | 24 Feb 2020

Photo: Twitter / @FranceMaputo

The Mozambican and French governments on Friday expressed a willingness to cooperate in matters of maritime security.

The visiting French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, expressed this desire in Maputo, after an audience granted by President Filipe Nyusi.

This is a matter which concerns the Mozambican authorities largely because of the insecurity caused by islamist insurgents in parts of the northern province of Cabo Delgado, several of which are coastal. The Cabo Delgado coast is also known as an entry point for illegal migrants and drug smugglers: recently two boats were intercepted as they attempted to land large consignments of heroin.

“Several matters were discussed with the President, including those linked with maritime security”, said Le Drian. He believed these should be dealt with from the perspective that Mozambique and France are “neighbouring countries” – because Mozambique has a maritime border with several Indian Ocean islands that are French possessions.

He said the matter could be discussed in private and in greater depth when the next France-Africa Summit is held. This will take place in Bordeaux in June, and Nyusi is one of the African statesmen invited.

Le Drian also announced that France is willing to support Mozambique in implementing the peace agreement signed last year between Nyusi and Ossufo Momade, leader of the largest opposition party, Renamo.

As for economic cooperation, Le Drian said there are about 60 French companies operating in Mozambique, who have created about 12,000 jobs. These are mostly in the sectors of agro-industry, fisheries and renewable energies.

France is also interested in the huge reserves of natural gas found off the Mozambican coast. Le Drian said that France has companies and technologies that could prove very useful in exploiting the gas.

Mozambican Foreign Minister Veronica Macamo told reporters that the meeting was a chance to exchange information about the political, economic and social situation in each of the countries. “The need was also mentioned of raising economic cooperation to higher levels”, she added.

She said Nyusi briefed Le Drian on the current sage of demobilising and disarming the Renamo militia. “The purpose of this is to ensure that the country lives in peace, so that it can build up its economy, to create the well-being of all Mozambicans”, she said.

As for the instability in Cabo Delgado, Macamo said a “holistic solution” is needed. She warned against viewing the problem simply in military terms. Instead “other solutions” should be considered that can restore peace and security and act as precursors to the development of Cabo Delgado.

Nyusi took the opportunity of the audience to invite his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, to visit Mozambique in late 2020 or early 2021.

Le Ministre @JY_LeDrian à bord du #BSAOM CHAMPLAIN dans le port de #Maputo avec le ministre de la Défense 🇲🇿 Jaime Bessa Neto : nous avons des responsabilités partagées dans le canal du Mozambique et travaillons à renforcer notre coopération maritime #sécurité #biodiversite pic.twitter.com/xDCnKeWLmQ

— David Izzo (@izzo_d) February 22, 2020

Rencontre à #Maputo avec Jaime Neto, ministre de la défense du #Mozambique, à bord du navire Champlain de @MarineNationale. Développer en voisins notre coopération pour la sécurité maritime et trouver ensemble des solutions face aux trafics.@francediplo @FranceMaputo pic.twitter.com/SALdD7i9Qp

— Jean-Yves Le Drian (@JY_LeDrian) February 22, 2020

🇫🇷 Minsitro @JY_LeDrian foi recebido pelo 🇲🇿Presidente Filipe Nyusi, reuniu com a sua homóloga Veronica Macamo. A delegaçao de @FNyusi é esperada em #Bordeus no #Afrique2020, recepção no #Franco com a comunidade francesa, com o Capitão e marinheiros da fragata #Champlain. pic.twitter.com/ptBEXfnYky

— La France au Mozambique (@FranceMaputo) February 22, 2020

À #Maputo le Ministre @JY_LeDrian est reçu par le Président Filipe Nyusi et la Ministre Verónica Macamo : un tour d’horizon des sujets d’intérêt commun entre 🇫🇷🇲🇿, pour tracer des perspectives nouvelles de coopération: #sécurité #investissement #education #Developpement pic.twitter.com/UYbPxa6EqM

— David Izzo (@izzo_d) February 21, 2020

O #Mozambique 🇲🇿 hospeda uma biodiversidade excepcional : o Ministro @JY_LeDrian reafirmou aos nossos parceiros o compromisso da 🇫🇷 de continuar trabalhando juntos para proteger e desenvolver essa riqueza patrimonial 🐠 🐢 @AFD_France #ANAC pic.twitter.com/sVzhOQxMdg

— La France au Mozambique (@FranceMaputo) February 23, 2020

Aujourd’hui le Ministre des Affaires Étrangères de France @JY_LeDrian à visité le centre @dream_segidio à Maputo au Mozambique. @santegidionews @SantEgidioFr @francediplo @FranceenItalie @AFD_France @Total pic.twitter.com/89FH02I0TO

— Mario Giro (@marioafrica) February 22, 2020