“We have a stock of 300 million euros worth of active cooperation projects here in Mozambique. In Manica province [in the center of the country], we will revitalize the agricultural sector with an investment of 100 million euros,” stated Gabriele Annis, the Italian ambassador to Mozambique, after a meeting between an Italian delegation, led by the Secretary-General of Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Riccardo Guariglia, and Mozambican President Daniel Chapo in Maputo.
According to the ambassador, out of the 100 million euros to be invested in Manica, 38 million euros will be allocated to creating a food processing center in the provincial capital, Chimoio, with the aim of transforming local agriculture into “industrial agriculture.”
“We strongly believe in Mozambique (…), so Italy is there because it recognizes the great potential in this country, both as a government and as a business system,” the Italian diplomat noted.
The Italian delegation, consisting of around 50 people, is in Maputo to “confirm and relaunch” the country’s support for the “new Mozambican government,” which, according to Italy’s ambassador to Mozambique, is committed to a “series of important reforms.”
“They are committed to a series of important reforms to boost the economy, engaged in political dialogue, and involved in a range of activities. And, as always in the history of our delegations, Italy is here to support and to grow together,” said Gabriele Annis.
The Italian delegation also held a bilateral meeting at Mozambique’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, during which the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Secretary-General expressed interest in strengthening the cooperative relations between the two countries.
“Today we will discuss health, education, food security, and digitalization. Each of these sectors, if properly developed, can have an impact that can change the lives of thousands of people for the better. Our history shows that we can work better and on a larger scale,” stated Riccardo Guariglia.
In turn, the Mozambican government expressed “great expectation” that the deliberations of the meeting between the two countries would reflect “positive results” in the short and medium term, highlighting the “excellence” of the relations between Mozambique and Italy.
“We are confident that this visit will produce results that will contribute to strengthening our bonds of solidarity and at the same time reinforcing the common interest to boost cooperation in various fields, especially the industrial and commercial sectors, which are at the center of our development agenda,” said Inocêncio Impissa, the minister of State Administration and Public Service, who leads the Mozambican delegation.
Mozambique also recognized Italy as a “true friendly country” for remaining “committed and focused” on the principles and objectives of assisting developing nations, at a time when other countries tend to “reduce or suspend” aid.
“[The situation] indeed makes Italy a true friendly country, one to count on at all times, especially during the most difficult periods,” concluded the Mozambican minister.
