SA and Mozambique strengthen bilateral co-operation

Mozambique's President Daniel Chapo and President Cyril Ramaphosa have agreed to strengthen political co-operation at bilateral, regional, continental and global levels. According to News24, Chapo told Ramaphosa the situation in his country was ‘good and now working’ during a visit to Cape Town on Tuesday after violent protests rocked Mozambique over last year’s election results. This after Mozambique's highest court reaffirmed him as President in December. Podemos' (Optimist Party for the Development of Mozambique) Venancio Mondlana disputed the outcome of the 9 October elections, leading to protests and violent clashes between protesters and the police. Tensions in the neighbouring country spilled over into SA, forcing the Border Management Authority to close the Lebombo border post on several occasions to protect the country's interests. Ramaphosa told Chapo: ‘We came together to continue strengthening the bonds between our two countries and in many ways how we can turn a new page of co-operation at a political, diplomatic and economic level and how we can entrench political stability in Mozambique following the elections. And also how we can create a conducive environment for businesses to operate in both countries.’ Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said: ‘Currently, it is estimated that South African companies have invested between R155bn and R175bn, creating more than 42 000 job opportunities (in Mozambique).’ Mozambique, he said, was also a vital energy security partner for SA.

Full News24 report