The Portuguese government has guaranteed that it will continue to support Mozambique in its economic and social development processes.

The assurance was given this Wednesday (23) in Maputo by the Portuguese Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Nuno Sampaio, after an audience granted to him by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Mozambican Communities Abroad, Maria de Fátima Manso.

Nuno Sampaio said that the relationship between the two countries is beneficial and can be strengthened, particularly in the area of business.

"At the moment there are around 500 Portuguese companies operating in Mozambique, but the Mozambican government is keen to strengthen these economic and business relations and Portugal is available to support them," said Sampaio.

Cited by AIMThe Portuguese diplomat added that, "but also in areas of cooperation, such as health, education, vocational training and culture, as well as all the institutional reforms that the Mozambican government wants to make, Portugal at a technical level can be and is available to be a partner in this cycle of reforms".

Portugal's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs also reaffirmed his support for the new government.

"Portuguese foreign policy is very stable. Of course, the relationship with Mozambique, whatever the next government, will always be very important, but there are matters that we are working on, but which will only be concluded, can only be concluded by the next government," he said.

Nuno Sampaio said that the Portuguese president will be present in Mozambique on June 25, the day that marks the 50th anniversary of national independence.

In another development, Manso also granted an audience to the deputy director-general of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Ugochi Daniels, who reaffirmed her commitment to supporting Mozambique.

(Photo DR)