KZN, Mozambique strengthen relations

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Maputo- KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Dr Zweli Mkhize, led a delegation to Mozambique in response to an invitation by the Governor of the Province of Maputo Maria Elias Jonas. 

Dr Mkhize was accompanied by MEC for Economic Development, Mike Mabuyakhulu, among others. 

Jonas welcomed the delegation in a meeting in Maputo, where Dr Mkhize and Mabuyakhulu engaged with her on various issues of mutual interest between the two Provinces.

Dr Mkhize said the two provinces, together with Swaziland, should engage on how they could develop the annual Amarula Festivals - which are observed by the three countries - into a major tourism program.

They also discussed the revival of the now expired Memorandum of Understanding between the two Provinces which was initially signed in 2005.

Earlier this year, KZN Director-General Mr Nhlanhla Ngidi led a technical task team to Maputo to discuss technical details of the envisaged MOU, and identified areas of collaboration including tourism, economic development, trade investment promotion, agriculture and environment affairs, transport, education and health, among others.

The visit also coincides with the hosting of the International Fair (FACIM), which features exhibition stands representing all provinces of Mozambique and international exhibitors. The first Fair was held in 1965.

The Premier and his delegations also witnessed the official opening of the All Africa Games by Mozambique's President Armando Guebuza on Saturday.-BuaNews