Portugal's Ambassador to Mozambique said yesterday in Maputo that his country remains willing to cooperate with Mozambique in the areas of defense and security.

After a meeting with the President of Parliament, Margarida Talapa, diplomat Jorge Monteiro spoke to journalists about the kidnapping of a Portuguese businessman in downtown Maputo yesterday. He said that contact had already been made with the victim's family.

"Unfortunately, we had this information about the kidnapping of a dual national, with Mozambican and Portuguese nationality. We are still investigating. We are in contact with the family of the citizen in question. We have already expressed our complete willingness to cooperate with the family and with the Mozambican criminal investigation and police authorities. Let's hope this situation is resolved," he said.

He recalled that last week the Minister of the Interior, Paulo Chachine, went to Portugal to strengthen relations with Mozambique in the field of security.

"And that's what I can say. Portugal is extremely willing to support Mozambique in the areas that Mozambique considers to be priorities, also in this area," he said.

He noted that the kidnappings have undermined investor confidence in the country.