India, Mozambique discuss issues of bilateral, international interest

Maputo (Mozambique), Jan 14(ANI): Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor on Thursday met Mozambique President Armando Emilio Guebuza to discuss issues of bilateral, regional and international interest between the two countries.

Tharoor arrived in Mozambique on Wednesday to attend the inauguration ceremony of Mozambique President Armando Emilio Guebuza at the commencement of the President's second term of office.

The President expressed interest in imparting greater vigour and momentum to the close and cooperative relations between India and Mozambique in his second term of office.

Tharoor's separate meetings with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Interior and Science and Technology of Mozambique allowed for discussions on specific areas of bilateral interest and India's economic and scientific projects in Mozambique.

Tharoor also met leaders of Indian community associations at a function held at the residence of the High Commissioner.

Close and friendly relations have characterized India's relations with Mozambique since Mozambique's independence from colonial rule in 1975.

Close personal relations between the leadership of the two countries in the past, including Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and President Samora Machel and Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and President Joaquim Chissano, had added to the warmth of bilateral ties.

India's political and moral support for Mozambique during its struggle for independence and its economic assistance over the years has been appreciated by the Government and people of Mozambique.

Since the establishment of a Joint Commission for Economic, Cultural, Scientific and Technical Cooperation between India and Mozambique in 2002, India has extended five Lines of Credit to Mozambique worth 115 million dollars for projects in the areas of rural electrification, water management and Information Technology.

India is one of Mozambique's larger trading and investment partners. Indian companies are active in the transport, minerals, energy and infrastructure development sectors.

Tharoor's visit is expected to further strengthen the close bilateral relations between the two countries and accelerate the ongoing programme of cooperation. (ANI)