India, Mozambique sign three pacts to strengthen partnership

New Delhi, Sep 30 (ANI): India and Mozambique inked three pacts on Thursday on avoidance of double taxation, cooperation in mineral resources and between middle and small enterprises to strengthen partnership between the two nations.

Mozambique President Armando Guebuza, who is on a six-day visit of India, met Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh here today and the two leaders decided to decided to create a partnership based on greater political engagement, deepening of economic cooperation, strengthening of defence and security cooperation, specially to secure sea lanes against piracy and, cooperation in capacity building and human resource development during the delegation level talks.

"We both belong to the same Indian Ocean community and we share common concerns. It is in our mutual interest to ensure the safety and security of sea lanes of communication in the Indian Ocean," said Dr Manmohan Singh in a joint press statement.

"India will support the establishment of training and planning institutions in Mozambique to support capacity building in the coal industry and will also support capacity building for the defence and police forces of that country," he added.

Dr Manmohan Singh said the two nations have decided to set a target of bilateral trade of one billion US dollars by 2013.

"As one of Africa's foremost leaders, President Guebuza's leadership and guidance will play an important role in shaping India's partnership with Africa. We will work closely with Mozambique on regional and other issues, as well as in preparations for the next India-Africa Summit in Africa in 2011," he added.

Meanwhile, Mozambique President Armando Guebuza expressing concern over the safety and security of sea-lanes in Indian Ocean assured India that his country would provide all possible assistance to protect them.

The visiting President also hoped that India will successful host the 2010 Commonwealth Games beginning on October 3.

Cooperation between the two countries has expanded to new areas such as human resource development, energy, minerals, defence, railways, IT, science and technology and agriculture.

India is now the third largest trading partner of Mozambique with bilateral trade of almost 500 million dollars. It is also the fourth largest investor in that country.

India consistently lent support to Mozambique in its freedom struggle. India was, in fact, among the first countries to recognise and open its embassy in Mozambique, immediately after independence.

There are about 1,000 persons of Indian nationality and close to 20,000 persons of Indian origin in Mozambique. (ANI)