Russia's ambassador to Mozambique defended this Thursday the use of the ruble and the metical to maintain commercial transactions with the African country in the face of sanctions it faces internationally.

"The ruble and the metical are worthy currencies that can be used and do not need the benevolence of some other countries that control the international system," said Russia's ambassador to Mozambique, Andrey Kemarsky, after a meeting with CTA - Confederation of Mozambique's Economic Associations in Maputo.

According to the diplomat, Russia is open to strengthening cooperation with Mozambique and, using the currencies of the two countries, it is possible to boost the partnership, ensuring that Mozambique achieves results in its efforts towards industrialization.

"Russia is open to support Mozambique, both with regard to grain, fertilizers or machinery that can strengthen your industrialization," added the diplomat quoted by Lusa.

Andrey Kemarsky recalled that Russia and Mozambique have scheduled an inter-governmental meeting in Moscow for the coming months, a meeting in which aspects linked to bilateral cooperation will be discussed.

"These issues are going to be discussed in this joint commission, we are just waiting for Mozambique's answer about the dates," said the diplomat, who looks at the African country as a reliable partner in Moscow's strategy to strengthen its presence on the African continent.

Mozambique was among the countries that abstained on two resolutions that went to a vote at the United Nations General Assembly: one condemning Russia for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine due to the war and the other suspending Moscow from the Human Rights Council.

The Frente de Libertação de Moçambique (Frelimo, the party in power since independence) was an ally of Moscow during the time of the former USSR, receiving military support during the struggle against Portuguese colonialism and economic aid after independence in 1975.

According to data advanced by CTA, the annual volume of economic transactions between Mozambique and Russia was estimated to be at least 100 million dollars.

Russia launched a military offensive in Ukraine on February 24 that has killed more than 5,000 civilians, according to the UN, which warns that the actual number is likely to be much higher.

The Russian military offensive has caused more than 16 million people to flee the country, including more than 5.7 million out of the country, according to the latest UN figures.

Also according to the United Nations, 15.7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Ukraine.

The Russian invasion was condemned by the international community at large, which responded by sending arms to Ukraine and strengthening economic and political sanctions on Moscow.