European Union (EU) foreign ministers approved on Monday the launch of a military training mission in Mozambique aimed at "training and supporting the Mozambican Armed Forces" in "restoring security" in Cabo Delgado.

"The objective of this mission is to train and support the Armed Forces of Mozambique in protecting the civilian population and in restoring security in Cabo Delgado province," reads a statement issued by the Council of the European Union (EU).

In the note, published a few minutes after the beginning of the Foreign Affairs Council, held this Monday in Brussels and which brings together all of the heads of European diplomacy, it is also stated that the "mission's mandate will initially last for two years.

"During this period, its strategic objective will be to support the capacity building of units of the Armed Forces of Mozambique that will be part of a future rapid reaction force," the note reads.

To this end, the mission will provide "military training, including operational readiness, specialized counterterrorism training, and training and education in the protection of civilians, respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law."

Entitled EUTM Mozambique, the mission will be led on the ground by Portuguese Army Brigadier General Nuno Lemos Pires, a "citizen of Portuguese nationality with more than 38 years of experience in command positions, including international missions.

The mission commander will be the director of the European Union's Military Planning and Conduct Capability, Vice Admiral Hervé Bléjean.

According to the Council of the EU, the military training mission was approved in response to a request from the Mozambican authorities who called for "enhanced involvement" of the EU in the "areas of peace and security."