Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi have reached an agreement to support the early resumption of natural gas development in Mozambique. The meeting between the leaders took place in the capital, Maputo, during Kishida's visit to four African nations.
The two leaders discussed the natural gas project in northern Mozambique, in which a Japanese company has invested. The initiative is suspended owing to the worsening security situation in the country. Both discussed ways of stabilising the situation and resuming the project as soon as possible.
Kishida and Nyusi agreed on the importance of maintaining and strengthening the international order based on the rule of law, in view of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The leaders spoke out against unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force.
Japan and Mozambique, non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, pledged to work together. At the press conference, Kishida said that the two leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Japanese prime minister declared his country's support for efforts to resume construction of the production facilities of the liquefied natural gas project, one of the largest in Africa. Kishida also mentioned Japan's willingness to help stabilise the region.
In short, the meeting between Kishida and Nyusi represents a significant step in bilateral cooperation between Mozambique and Japan. Both countries reiterated the importance of respect for the rule of law and international balance, pledging to work together on resuming the natural gas project, which could bring significant economic and social benefits to the region.
