Last Friday, 22 September, the Mozambican leader, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, met the US Secretary of Defense, with the aim of discussing and strengthening defence ties and security cooperation between the two countries.
The province of Cabo Delgado, in the far north of Mozambique, has faced significant challenges since 2017 owing to clashes between local security forces and radicalised groups.
Austin, the US defence representative, stressed the importance of close collaboration with Mozambique, aimed not only at addressing the roots of the conflicts but also at promoting greater stability in the region.
The issue of terrorism was also addressed, with emphasis placed on the fact that this phenomenon poses a security challenge in several regions and that both Mozambique and the US have suffered its consequences. Mozambique's cooperation with bodies such as the Southern African Development Community and the European Union was praised, highlighting the crucial role of international partnerships in combating extremist threats.
Finally, gratitude was expressed to the US government and to President Biden for their continued support to Mozambique in various areas, namely the economy, health and security.
During the meeting, which took place at the Pentagon, Filipe Nyusi and Lloyd J. Austin III also discussed topics related to maritime surveillance and ways of enhancing security at sea.
