Mozambican President’s visit to promote bilateral economic partnership: diplomat

Mozambican Ambassador to Vietnam Ilundi Dos Santos (Photo: VNA)

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency ahead of the President's visit on September 8-10, to be made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam, the diplomat said the two countries share many similarities, from climate to crops. However, Vietnam is highly developed in the fields of agricultural and fisheries research, the areas that Mozambique is very interested in cooperating with to improve the quality of agricultural products and ensure food security for its people, he noted.

She held that Mozambique is a country rich in minerals and energy resources, so the southeastern African country can work closely with Vietnam, as its economy is rapidly developing, and the demand for minerals and energies will increase. Mozambique can supply these resources, creating opportunities for both countries to grow together.

The two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties next year, she said, noting that over the past nearly five decades, the relationship between the two countries has achieved many remarkable accomplishments. Their solidarity, friendship and traditional cooperation have been inherited, nurtured, and continuously developed by generations of leaders and people of both nations.

In terms of politics, the two countries have always supported each other. Vietnam supported Mozambique's bid to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the diplomat said, adding that the southeastern African country has also contributed some ideas to Vietnam in certain diplomatic initiatives. The diplomat said she expects that these efforts will continue over the next 50 years.

Regarding economy, Vietnam has made significant investments in the Mozambican telecommunications sector. The Movitel mobile network, a project by the Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel) in Mozambique, has proven as an effective model in bilateral economic cooperation. Since its launch in May 2012, Movitel has become one of the leading mobile networks in terms of subscribers and coverage, making a positive contribution to Mozambique's socio-economic development. It has helped the Mozambican people increase their access to telecommunications services over the past 10 years.

According to the ambassador, the two countries have strengthened trade relations, particularly in areas such as coal and finance. Both sides are also striving to capitalise on marine and agricultural advantages to make agricultural and fisheries cooperation a priority; boosting collaboration in trade, education and training; and expanding partnerships in potential fields such as minerals and culture.

She said that Mozambique wants to continue developing bilateral cooperation, especially in investment, economy, and trade. It commits to creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to invest and operate in such fields as telecommunications and mining, she added.

The diplomat said she hopes this visit will be a success, contributing to promoting the traditional friendship and partnership between Vietnam and Mozambique in a stronger and more effective manner./.