Portugal remains optimistic about continued EU training mission

Maputo, 6 Mar (AIM) – Portugal remains optimistic that the European Union Training Mission in Mozambique (EUTM-MOZ), will continue, at a moment when cases of extreme violence are on the increase in some districts of the northern province of Cabo Delgado.

The EUTM-MOZ was created in October 2021 by the European Council with a two-year mandate. The mission, which provides non-lethal support, trains the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) in the fight against terrorism in Cabo Delgado.

Currently, the Mission has 161 soldiers divided into two training centers, one for commandos and the other for marines. The European Mission mandate is due to end in September 2024.

The optimism that the EUTM will continue was expressed on Tuesday by the Portuguese Foreign Minister, João Cravinho, in a meeting with his Mozambican counterpart, Verónica Macamo, who was on a working visit to Lisbon.

Last month, during a visit to Mozambique, the Portuguese secretary of state for foreign affairs, Francisco André, also expressed his optimism about the boosting of European union (EU) support for Mozambique, saying that “Portugal and Mozambique are both continuing to work together and we are optimistic that the mission will continue and that its capacity will be strengthened.”

A source from the Mozambican Foreign Ministry of Foreign told AIM that the two ministers “exchanged views on the continuity of the EUTM-MOZ and Macamo thanked Portugal for its support in the fight against terrorism in Cabo Delgado, as well as in economic and social development projects.”

According to the same source, Macamo spoke about the current political, economic and security situation in Mozambique, as well as the Mozambican general elections scheduled for 9 October this year.

(AIM)

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