Mozambique: Chapo and Ramaphosa discuss strengthening cooperation in transport and logistics
Mozambique: State, Comoros Islands to fight piracy, illegal fishing
6:59 CAT | 27 May 2024
Photos: Presidency of Mozambique
Mozambican president Filipe Nyusi announced on Monday that he is in talks with his counterpart from the Union of the Comoros to draw up joint strategies to combat piracy and illegal fishing in the Mozambique Channel.
“There is an element that the President [Azali Assoumani] has emphasised, that we need to protect the Mozambique Channel from (…). Protect it from illicit crime, piracy and illegal fishing,” said Filipe Nyusi, on the occasion of his two-day visit to that country.
On Sunday, the Mozambican president took part in the inauguration ceremony of Azali Assoumani, who was re-elected to the post of President of the Union of the Comoros, and also held talks with his counterpart on cooperation and investment between the two countries.
Nyusi emphasised that both understand that there is an urgent need to strengthen the protection of the Mozambique Canal, which is seen as a “safer alternative to the Suez Canal”.
Also within the framework of bilateral agreements between the two countries, Nyusi announced that Mozambique and the Union of Comoros will create a joint commission to ensure the planning and operationalisation of cooperation in the areas of air and maritime transport, defence and security, as well as maritime surveillance.
“We have instructed our ministers to very quickly conclude legal instruments for co-operation,” Nyusi stressed, adding that Mozambique is open to receiving a delegation from Moroni to present Maputo’s potential.
“There are many products that can serve this country [Comoros] and vice versa and can be transported by sea. For example, we have large factories producing cement and food that can be transported here from the ports of Nacala [in Nampula province] and Pemba [Cabo Delgado province],” he added.
The Mozambican president said that he wants to establish a direct link with the Comoros Islands to reduce travelling time between the two countries.
“We want to put an end to this dependency on Maputo, when [you] want to come to Moroni [capital of the Comoros], [you] have to go to France, Ethiopia or Naoirobi, when you can do it in such a short time,” said Nyusi.
The Mozambican president also assured that the country will continue to co-operate with the Union of the Comoros in the areas of culture and sports.
Azali Assoumani won the elections on 14 January with 57.2% of the vote, according to the Comoros Supreme Court, and was re-elected for a third consecutive term, which will allow him to remain in power until 2029.
READ: Comoros President sworn in for fourth term after disputed poll
Source: Lusa
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