Maputo, 8 September 2022 (TDI): High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell Fontelles arrived in Mozambique on Thursday, on a two-day official visit.
Great to have arrived in #Mozambique for two day visit.
As part of close EU partnership with Africa, we further strengthen our comprehensive cooperation with Mozambique – bilaterally and on international stage, to defend multilateralism and rules-based international system (1/2) pic.twitter.com/8A05GfhXoD
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) September 8, 2022
Josep Borrell will meet with Filipe Nyusi, the head of state and President of Mozambique, and hand over supplies to assist in the conflict with armed rebels in the region of Cabo Delgado.
During his visit, Josep Borrell will also meet with Mozambique’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Veronica Macamo.
Moreover, the EU High Representative will visit European Union Military Training Mission (EUTM) Mozambique on Friday, for the transfer ceremony of equipment funded by the European Peace Facility.
This includes non-combat equipment like uniforms and supplies for military logistics on the ground.
High Representative of the EU will also participate in the ceremony for the handover of command of EUTM Mozambique, with Brigadier-General Lemos Pires handing over to another officer from Portugal, Commodore Martins de Brito.
Moreover, Josep Borrell will have discussions on several issues with Mozambique officials. This includes the geopolitical situation in the world and the effects of the war in Ukraine in Mozambique, particularly on food security.
Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique
The northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado has been terrified since 2017 by armed conflict with the attacks by the extremist group Islamic State.
The insurgency sparked a military response that has been supported over the past year by forces from Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to liberate districts.
The violence has caused over 800,000 people to become internally displaced and approximately 4,000 people have died in the conflict.
EU and Mozambique relations
Cooperation between European Union and Mozambique started after Mozambique’s independence in 1975. The strong ties between Mozambique and the EU are based on bilateral, regional, and international cooperation.
Furthermore, the EU has actively promoted peace and security in Mozambique while also taking the lead in trade, development cooperation, investment, and humanitarian relief.
