Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has arrived in Maputo for his State Visit which is set to politically and economically boost relations between the two countries.
At the invitation of his counterpart, President Filipe Nyusi, the two neighbouring leaders will on Wednesday hold official talks and consult on issues of mutual interest, in particular on bilateral, regional and continental cooperation.
The visit will further foster closer trade relations with Mozambique, which is one of the seven fastest growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Mozambique has investment opportunities in sectors such as construction, mining and petroleum.
As part of the two day state visit, President Zuma will on Thursday pay a courtesy call to the Speaker of Assemble Republic, Veronica Nataniel Macamo Dlhovo.
South Africa and Mozambique share strong historical and fraternal ties dating back to the time of the fight against colonialism and apartheid.
To date, the two countries have over 58 sectoral agreements which have been signed - demonstrating the depth of bilateral cooperation.
The two countries, historically, also have strong economic ties as evidenced not only in the presence of over 300 companies operative in Mozambique, but also in the high trade volumes.
On the trade front, South Africa is currently Mozambique’s largest trading partner and accounted for about 32 per cent of the country’s imports and 22.4 per cent of its exports in 2013.
In 2014, South African exports to Mozambique amounted to R32.6 billion, while imports from Mozambique to South Africa totalled R11.3 billion, according to data
President Zuma is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa, Minister of Energy Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa.-SAnews.gov.za
