Presidential visit to Mozambique: the two countries discuss their partnership and cooperation within the framework of the UN
Bern, 10.02.2023 - On Friday, 10 February, President Alain Berset rounded off his visit to Mozambique by meeting representatives from Swiss companies and other compatriots in the capital Maputo. In the preceding days, Switzerland and Mozambique discussed ways of further developing their long-standing relations. A further topic of discussion was cooperation in the UN Security Council. A visit to the northern province of Cabo Delgado provided an opportunity to appraise the humanitarian situation in the region.
The high-level political talks with President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi took place on Wednesday, 8 February. Both sides commended their close bilateral relations. Mozambique has been a priority country for development cooperation since 1979 and Switzerland played a central role in the conclusion of the 2019 peace agreement.
The common goal is to intensify contacts. The two sides discussed opportunities for expanding economic relations and the importance of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, which are aimed at companies in the mining, oil and gas industries. Both sides also acknowledged their successful cooperation on asset recovery.
A key topic of the talks was cooperation in the UN Security Council. Mozambique, like Switzerland, is a member of the Security Council in 2023/2024. The two countries would like to take joint initiatives in areas such as water and access to basic services in conflict zones. In mid-May, President Berset will chair a UN Security Council meeting in New York on the protection of civilians in conflict areas.
The aim of the visit was therefore also to conduct an exchange on the ground with the authorities, international organisations and NGOs on this topic. Due to the spread of violent extremism, around 1.5 million people in the north of the country are dependent on humanitarian aid. Mr Berset conveyed Switzerland's concern about the situation in the region and expressed solidarity with those affected.
Visit to the north of the country
On Thursday, 9 February, the Swiss delegation, accompanied by President Nyusi, visited the province of Cabo Delgado in the north of the country and in particular the Eduardo Mondlane refugee camp in Mueda, which houses more than 2,000 internally displaced families. Switzerland supports programmes to ensure access to basic services such as water and electricity.
President Berset’s programme also included talks with UN representatives in the region, including the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy to Mozambique, Mirko Manzoni. As Swiss ambassador, Mr Manzoni led the peace negotiations between the two opposing parties, Frelimo and Renamo, which resulted in the peace agreement of 2019.
Botswana: first stop on the journey
The first stop on the presidential visit was Botswana. On Tuesday and Wednesday, President Berset discussed a range of topics with President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, including the further development of bilateral relations. He also spoke with Elias Magosi, Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), about Switzerland’s engagement in the region.
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