Nyusi calls for improved cooperation between Mozambique and Tanzania

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Nyusi calls for improved cooperation between Mozambique and Tanzania

3:40 CAT | 23 Sep 2022

Photo: O País

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi calls for greater cooperation on public infrastructures between Mozambique and Tanzania to improve trade between both countries.

Nyusi expressed his view in Maputo, on Wednesday, during a State Banquet he offered to his Tanzanian counterpart, Samia Suhulo, on the first of four-day working visit to Mozambique.

“On public infrastructures, the construction of a bridge over the Rovuma River was an important milestone in our cooperation. The Mozambican government has set as its priority the conclusion of the road between Negomano and Mueda”, the president said.

According to Nyusi, there has been progress in the cooperation between both countries “but there are still major challenges in the main areas of defence and security, education and economic and trade.”

Mozambique, Nyusi said, remains committed to consolidating peace and reconciliation, as well as strengthening democracy and social justice, macro-economic stability and diversifying relations with regional and international partners.

“This meeting is the sublime expression of the will of our governments to identify and realise win-win programs”, he said.

Nyusi recalled that relations between the two countries date back to June 25, 1962, when the Frelimo, the national liberation movement, was formed.

“We are historical allies and our people share the same linguistic traits. Relations between Mozambique and Tanzania were formalised with the signing of the General Cooperation Agreement in November 1977, the backbone of the other existing agreements between the two countries,” Nyusi said.

Because Mozambique faces complex challenges such as terrorism, according to the president, Tanzania’s support has been strategic and helpful.

“We praise the extension of the SADC Military Mission to Mozambique (SAMIM) in August, of which Tanzania is part of it. This decision conveys SADC’s determination to fight and eradicate terrorism”, he said.

According to the Mozambican President, despite the global economic crisis, Covid-19 pandemic, terrorism in Cabo Delgado and extreme weather events, Mozambique’s economy is expected to recover gradually.

“We will be able to sustain the economic stability achieved in the second half of 2021, and so we project economic growth above seven percent starting next year. The return to economic growth path will continue to require structural reforms, aimed at strengthening institutions, improving the business environment for the promotion of employment”, he explained.

Despite the massive natural gas deposits discovered a few years ago off the coast of Cabo Delgado, Nyusi insists that agriculture remains the most viable option in the fight against poverty.

“This is why the government has successfully implemented the SUSTENTA Program. We will continue with targeted support for women and promote gender equality.”

The Tanzanian president, Samia Suhulo, for her part stated that Mozambique and Tanzania continue to share the same concepts of Pan-Africanism and its main social aspects; hence cooperation in various areas of interest is important.

“Cooperation in trade, peace and security, infrastructure development and the use of the Kiswahili language is important. It has been an opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation, exchange of ideas and experiences with Mozambique”, she said. Cooperation between the two states is based on historical relations, since the times of the African struggle for independence.

Source: AIM