- President Chapo met with the leaders of Tanzania and Rwanda, both countries with troops deployed to combat terrorism in Cabo Delgado
- On the economic front, Chapo met with the CEOs of the African Development Bank, Africa50, and Afreximbank
By Ricardo Dias
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – Mozambique's President, Daniel Chapo, took advantage of his first participation in a summit of the African Union (AU), held last weekend in Addis Ababa, to hold strategic meetings on military and economic fronts with leaders from allied nations.
On the military front, Chapo met with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Tanzania and Rwanda are currently the only countries maintaining troops in Mozambique to support efforts to combat terrorism in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. The bilateral meetings focused on discussing the terms of military cooperation.
A statement from Chapo's Office indicated that he expressed his gratitude to Paul Kagame for Rwanda's support in fighting terrorism in Cabo Delgado, as well as for initiatives to strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations. Currently, Rwanda has around 4,000 troops deployed in the districts of Mocímboa da Praia, Palma, Macomia, and Ancuabe.
"Tanzania has expressed its willingness to continue supporting Mozambique in the fight against terrorism," said the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Maria dos Santos Lucas, as quoted in a press release. Tanzania has approximately 300 troops stationed in the Cabo Delgado district of Nangade, as part of a bilateral counter-terrorism mission.
Chapo also met with the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, and expressed gratitude for the UN's humanitarian support, particularly in response to cyclones and in counter-terrorism efforts.
On the economic front, Chapo met with leaders of financial institutions, including the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, with whom he discussed the possibility of Mozambique benefiting from new projects financed by the institution.
"The President challenged the AfDB to present mechanisms for mobilising more funds to finance projects in Mozambique," said Lucas.
Daniel Chapo also met with Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50 – an infrastructure investment platform – as well as representatives from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), seeking new funding opportunities for the country. (RD)
