The Diplomat The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, received his Mozambican counterpart, Verónica Macamo Dlhovo, yesterday at the Viana Palace to boost relations between both countries and address issues of common interest. Currently, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press release, relations between both countries focus on security, development cooperation, economic and commercial promotion and the promotion of cultural diplomacy. During the meeting, Albares underlined Spain's support for the fight against terrorism in the province of Cabo Delgado and highlighted the work of the European Union mission EUTM-MOZ, which has provided training to more than 1,200 Mozambican soldiers. In addition, Spain will maintain its commitment to Mozambique in the New Assistance Mission, EUMAM, recently approved. Minister Albares also insisted on Spain's willingness to increase development cooperation with Mozambique, which will necessarily involve revitalising the Manhiça International Health Centre (CISM), the emblem of Spanish cooperation in Mozambique and which requires action to once again become the pioneering centre of excellence in malaria vaccine research. The combination of AECID cooperation and private investment is essential for the country's development, according to Foreign Ministry. For this reason, Albares described the energy transition plan proposed by Mozambique as positive and highlighted the presence of Spanish companies in the electricity sector installed in Mozambique. He also mentioned the growing interest of Spanish companies in continuing to invest. Cultural, educational and scientific relations are of great interest to both governments. Spain promotes cultural development through numerous projects in different regions of Mozambique. The Foreign Minister recalled, in this regard, the growing interest in the Spanish language and culture in the country, as evidenced by the opening of three new lectureships. Scientific exchanges are also constant: in Mozambique, around twenty Spanish scientists are part of the Association of Spanish Scientists in Southern Africa. The deepening of scientific diplomacy requires greater flexibility in obtaining short- and long-term work visas, both for researchers and for development aid workers.
