Norway announced a strengthening of bilateral relations with Mozambique, with the signing of agreements on ocean management and energy, and an extraordinary aid package for food security.
The agreements were signed during a visit by Norway’s Minister of International Development, Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, to Maputo, where she had previously lived as a diplomat.
“Food security is a key feature of the Norwegian development policy,” she said, quoted in a statement from the Norwegian embassy today.
The Norwegian government has allocated a package of aid to countries affected by the Ukraine war on fertiliser and energy prices and “about US$10 million [9.3 million euros] will be earmarked for partners in Mozambique,” with “the funds to be invested in food security.”
Regarding the sea, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on the Ocean for Development programme to strengthen maritime management and improve food security and livelihoods.
In the area of energy, a $4.2 million (€3.9 million) contract was signed to develop regulations for the sector.
“The Norwegian Embassy manages a portfolio of approximately $50 million [€46.6 million] annually, in addition to considerable headquarters support for humanitarian aid and multilateral development programmes,” the statement concluded.
In 1973, the Norwegian parliament voted to support the then Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) movement, marking 50 years of involvement with the Portuguese-speaking country this year.
Lusa
