Prime Minister António Costa assured this Thursday that Portugal will continue to support Mozambique in the fight against terrorism, while the President of the Republic of Mozambique stressed the solidarity and cooperation between the two countries.
The head of the Portuguese government is in Maputo on an official two-day visit, during which he took part in the 5th Portuguese-Mozambican summit. The program for the first day of the visit concluded with a dinner hosted by the President of Mozambique for the Prime Minister at the Ponta Vermelha Palace, the official residence.
In his speech at the beginning of the banquet, the Portuguese Prime Minister stated that “for as long as necessary, Portugal will continue to provide concrete support to the Mozambican authorities in an approach that guarantees the security of the Mozambican territory, humanitarian response to those in need and development the population affected by the conflict”.
“We have been by your side from the very first moment, and that is where we want to continue to be, shoulder to shoulder in the fight against terrorism,” he assured, welcoming efforts to “stabilize security.”
António Costa also stated that at every bilateral summit one can “see that the two countries are brought together by more than history.” .
On an economic level, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the role that Portuguese companies are playing and can continue to play as “an active participant in the development process” of Mozambique.
In his speech, the President of the Republic of Mozambique deplored the fact that terrorism had already caused “more than two thousand deaths and more than 860 thousand displaced people” and affected the local and national economy.
Referring to the international support that the country has received in the fight against terrorism, the president singled out the European Union’s mission to train the Mozambican military, emphasizing the role of the Portuguese armed forces.
Filipe Nyusi reiterated his appeal to the international community to “continue to support Mozambique and friendly African forces in the struggle to eradicate this scourge” and also asked for support in the reconstruction of Cabo Delgado.
With regard to the summit, the President of the Republic underlined the “strengthening of the relations of friendship, solidarity and cooperation” between the two countries, demonstrating his conviction that the relationship “remains strong, strong and of mutual benefit.”
And he proposed a toast “to friendship, solidarity and cooperation between Mozambique and Portugal.”
Nucy said the Prime Minister’s visit and the bilateral summit “are of particular importance as they come at a time when new domestic and global challenges require us to strengthen global and bilateral partnerships to better address them.”
Speaking about the Covid-19 pandemic, the head of state thanked Portugal for its support, namely for offering vaccines and masks.
On Friday, the Prime Minister’s two-day official visit to Maputo ended on the occasion of the 5th Luso-Mozambique Summit. António Costa will take part in Facim (International Fair in Maputo), speak at the opening of a business forum, visit the Portuguese military, and meet with businessmen and the Portuguese community of Mozambique.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
