Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with President Daniel Francisco Chapo in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. Following the meeting, Lavrov stated that Moscow is ready to support requests for assistance that could be provided to eliminate the ongoing terrorist threat in northern Mozambique.
Lavrov said, "Russia is ready to support the requests of our Mozambican friends regarding the assistance we can provide to eliminate the ongoing terrorist threat in the north of the country."
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the minister's remarks to the public in a written statement on Thursday, July 9.
Lavrov noted that the meeting took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, stressing that such relations have been a characteristic feature of the partnership between the two countries for many years. The Russian diplomat also touched upon the historical foundations of relations between Moscow and Maputo, recalling that Mozambique well remembers the advisory and arms assistance provided by the Soviet Union during the country's independence struggle.
The meeting also addressed economic cooperation issues, with Mozambique's eagerness to modernize its economy and process natural resources domestically rather than exporting them as raw materials being conveyed. The sides agreed to take into account Mozambique's economic reform plans during preparations for the next meeting of the intergovernmental trade and economic commission.
At the meeting, which also covered the international agenda, Lavrov reported that Russia and Mozambique closely coordinate their positions on most issues at the United Nations and other international platforms.
During his visit to Mozambique, Lavrov also met with Foreign Minister Maria Lucas. The two discussed in detail the foreign policy dimension, international coordination, and the further development of cooperation.
The Russian Foreign Minister's visit to Mozambique was part of an Africa tour. Lavrov had previously visited Ethiopia and Niger as part of this tour.
