SA, Mozambique meet to review relations

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma met with his Mozambican counterpart, Armando Guebuza, in Pretoria on Tuesday to review bilateral relations between the two countries.

The two leaders met within the context of the enhanced bilateral cooperation between their respective countries, the Presidency said.

“They expressed great satisfaction at the warm and fraternal relations that exist between their two countries, and committed themselves to further deepen these historical and cultural relations for the mutual benefit of their respective countries and peoples,” the Presidency said in a statement after the talks.

The two leaders underscored the need to further enhance and strengthen the existing bilateral cooperation between the two countries under the framework of the Bi-National Commission (BNC), which is a seen as a strategic mechanism, used to coordinate cooperation and partnership.

President Guebuza briefed President Zuma about the floods that have devastated parts of Mozambique and expressed his gratitude for South Africa's rescue operation and humanitarian assistance by, among others, availing two helicopters and two fixed wings aircraft.

On regional issues, the two leaders exchanged views on the prevailing political, economic and security situation in the region, where they re-affirmed their commitment to work together in pursuit of regional peace and security.

On continental and international issues, the two leaders expressed their commitment to African unity and integration.

“They reiterated their common view on the need to reform the multilateral institutions, including the United Nations Security Council and the Bretton Woods Institution,s to better represent the interests of the developing countries,” said the Presidency.

Guebuza also congratulated South Africa on hosting a successful Africa Cup of Nations, which ended on Sunday. - SAnews.gov.za