Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met in Moscow with his Mozambican counterpart, Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas. The talks took place against the backdrop of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The broadcast was available on the
website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“A month ago, we marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and it is quite symbolic that they were established on the same day Mozambique declared its independence,” Lavrov noted.

According to him, cooperation between the two countries is based on the principles of mutual respect and a balance of interests. The Minister emphasised that high-level contacts contribute to strengthening economic and humanitarian cooperation.

Maria Lucas thanked Russia for its long-standing support. Following the talks, she announced that President of Mozambique Daniel Chapo is planning a visit to Russia.

Lavrov, in turn, confirmed that he would accept the invitation to visit Mozambique.

“Madam Minister kindly invited me to once again visit hospitable Maputo. I will certainly do so,” he said.

Russia also expressed its readiness to increase the number of educational quotas for students from Mozambique.

“We have traditionally trained national specialists for Mozambique at Russian higher education institutions. Currently, 75 Mozambican citizens are admitted annually under a government quota, and we are ready to increase this number,” said the head of the Russian foreign ministry.

He added that Russia continues to develop alternative banking mechanisms for cooperation with African countries. According to him, such mechanisms have long been in place, are constantly being improved, and are increasingly making use of national currencies.

Photo:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation