Egypt welcomes Mozambique's peace accord

CAIRO – 4 August 2019: Egyptian Foreign Ministry said it welcomes the peace accord signed between Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi and armed opposition group's leader OssufoMomade.

The deal was signed on August 1 with the aim of eliminating military hostilities between the opposition group Renamo and the ruling party Frelimo headed by the president. It is part of a broader deal that is set to pledge fair elections in October.

The Foreign Ministry commendedin a statement the efforts made by President Nyusi during the past period toachieve a lasting peace.

It also expressed the hope that these efforts will result in more prosperity for the southern African nation.

Violence between Renamo and Frelimo had continued for almost three decades following the end of a 15-year civil war that started in 1977 and ended in 1992 after a ceasefire was reached.

The fight between the two groups hasreportedly resulted in the death of over 1million people.

Nyusi's visit

President Nyusi made a two-day official visit to Egypt in June 2019, where he met with Egypt's President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi.

Thepresidents discussed means of boosting bilateral relations at various levels, as well as activating existing mechanisms of cooperation between the two countries, topped by the joint committee, according to an official statement.

The talks took up promoting economic relations and trade exchange between Egypt and Mozambique, Egypt-based Middle East News Agency (MENA) reported.

Backing the economic development efforts of Mozambique in the domain of upgrading the infrastructure through benefiting from the Egyptian know-how in this sphere figured high during the talks.

Also, developing cooperation in the sectors of agriculture, fish farming, health, communication and transport was tackled during the talks.

The two sides addressed the latest regional and African developments in light of Egypt's chairmanship of the African Union.

They agreed on continuing the cooperation to execute developmental goals in various fields in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063, along with focusing on continental projects of priority to African countries.

They also agreed on boosting African mechanisms for reconstruction and development following conflicts, intensifying efforts in fighting terrorism and extremism, as well as supporting peace and security in the continent.

Both leaders signed a number of memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on political consultations, exemption of diplomatic passports from entry requirements, and agricultural cooperation and food security.

The Mozambican president also attended the opening ceremony of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at Cairo International Stadium.