President Filipe Nyusi reminds us that the war in Europe is also reflected in Mozambique, when grain imports become more difficult and prices rise. However, the country has avoided condemning Russia.
Ukraine drew attention when the president of Finland’s long-term development cooperation partner Mozambique Filipe Nyusi arrived in Finland for a working visit.
Although the war in Europe is far from southern Africa, its effects shake life in poor Mozambique.
When answering ‘s question about the effects of the war, President Nyusa said that the situation is reflected in the difficulty of importing grain. Rising energy costs and inflation are commonplace in Mozambique as well.
According to him, the difficulties can put a brake on the planned start of liquid natural gas production.
The war in Europe overshadows Africa
For those living in poor conditions, the consequences of the war started by Russia mean the threat of famine. Although the number of people living in extreme poverty in Mozambique has been reduced, malnutrition is still widespread.
Poor countries cannot afford to jeopardize international relations with a sharp appearance. Thus, the south has often avoided taking a stand on the war in Europe.
Mozambique has also abstained from voting when Russia’s war of aggression has been on display at the UN.
Nyusi: “Dialogue and humility necessary”
President Nyusi emphasized a couple of times at the press conference that dialogue is needed in the situation.
– War does not solve problems, but humility is required from the parties, he said.
He referred to the President of the United States Joe Biden and the leader of China Xi Jinping meeting as a positive example of willingness to negotiate.
President Sauli Niinistö condemned the war of aggression waged by Russia in a press conference.
Niinistö: Attacks against civilians are a brutal tactic
Niinistö described the attacks against society, infrastructure and civilians as cruel tactics that have caused a “grim situation” in Ukraine.
Niinistö, however, thought it was good that in the assessment of the explosions in Poland, “the head remained cool, at least with most commentators”.
A long history of development cooperation
Relations between Finland and Mozambique have a long history. President Niinistö promised that his colleague could perhaps meet the pen pal of his youth here.
The President of Mozambique met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Pekka Haaviston (green) and the Minister of Education Li Andersson’s (left). Finland has focused its development cooperation in Mozambique on education and improving the status of girls.
Later, Nyusi visited the parliament as the speaker Matti Vanhanen (central) as a guest, and met the prime minister Sanna Marini (sdp.) In Kesäranta.
President Nyusi thanked the northern partner for the support Mozambique has received over the decades. As an international recognition, Mozambique is now becoming a member of the UN Security Council.
After Mozambique broke away from the Portuguese colonial rule, the new independence was initially tinged with one-party rule. It has already changed to a more democratic regime, which has however been overshadowed by the Islamist rebellion in the northern part of the country.
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