President Mnangagwa meets Mozambican counterpart

Chimoio (New Ziana) – President Emerson Mnangagwa on Thursday undertook a day’s working visit to Chimoio, Mozambique, where he held discussions with his counterpart Filipe Nyusi centering on the security situation in some parts of that country.

Militants thought to be affiliated to Islamic terror groups are active in parts of Mozambique and in recent months stepped up attacks on civilians and government forces and institutions.

The attacks are particularly severe in Cabo Delgado, Manica and Sofala Provinces and threaten to disrupt Mozambique’s vital regional road and rail transport routes.

Sustained peace and security in Mozambique is particularly important to Zimbabwe which relies heavily on the port of Beira and the Feruka pipeline which brings oil into the country, hence President Mnangagwa’s visit.

President Mnangagwa is also the current chair of Organ on Politics, Defence and Security of the Southern African Development Community, which is responsible for ensuring peace and order in the sub- region.

“The two Heads of State addressed the security situation in Cabo Delgado and parts of the provinces of Manica and Sofala where the terrorists and armed groups carry out attacks, murders and destruction of public and private infrastructure and strongly condemned these acts which seek to undermine efforts towards peace and development,” read part of a communiqué released after the meeting.

Adding on, President Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba said: “Apart from the threat of militant Islamic insurgency, the breakaway Renamo bandits threaten Zimbabwe’s rail and road routes to Beira, the country’s shortest gateway to the sea and world markets.”

According to the communique, the two leaders noted with satisfaction that bilateral cooperation in the political, defense and security fields had evolved positively and within the framework of current legal instruments.

President Mnangagwa was accompanied to Chimoio by Defense Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.

During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed the political, economic and social situation prevailing in their respective countries, the Southern African region and the world at large.

“The two leaders applauded the relevant roles they play in the framework of the regional integration agenda as members of the double troika,” it said.

With regard the Covid-19 pandemic, the two leaders committed to closer collaboration to curb the spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa has since returned home.
New Ziana