Albares meets with Mozambique's Minister for Foreign Affairs to boost relations between the two countries

Madrid, 29/07/2024.- The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, has received his Mozambican counterpart, Verónica Macamo Dlhovo, at the Palace of Viana to promote relations between the two countries and address matters of common interest.

Today, the excellent relations between the two nations concern security, development cooperation, boosting the economy and trade, and promoting cultural diplomacy.

Strong support for regional stabilisation

Albares noted Spain's support in the fight against terrorism in the Cabo Delgado province. It highlights the work of the European Union mission EUTM-Moz, which has provided training for more than 1,200 Mozambican military personnel. Spain will also maintain its commitment to Mozambique in the new, recently approved, Military Assistance Mission, EUMAM. Regional stability is essential for the country's development.

Development cooperation and the economy

Minister Albares insisted on the desire to increase development cooperation with Mozambique. This will necessarily involve revitalising the Manhiça International Health Centre (CISM), the flagship of Spanish cooperation in Mozambique, which requires action to once again become the pioneering centre of excellence in malaria vaccine research.

The combination of Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) cooperation and private investment is key for the country's development. Accordingly, Albares described the energy transition plan proposed by Mozambique as positive and highlighted the presence of Spanish companies in the electricity sector installed in Mozambique. He also expressed a growing interest among Spanish companies in continuing to invest.

Cultural and scientific cooperation on the rise

Both Governments have a strong interest in cultural, educational and scientific relations. Spain promotes cultural development through numerous projects in different regions of Mozambique. Consequently, the Minister for Foreign Affairs cited the growing interest in Spanish language and culture in the country, as evidenced by the opening of three new language assistantships. Scientific exchanges are also constant: in Mozambique, some twenty Spanish scientists are members of the Society of Spanish Scientists in Southern Africa. The deepening of science diplomacy requires greater flexibility in obtaining short- and long-term work visas for both researchers and development workers. ​

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