Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has pledged Moscow’s willingness to support Mozambique’s fight against Islamist insurgents in Cabo Delgado, reaffirming readiness to respond to any formal request for assistance.
Lavrov made the commitment after meeting President Daniel Chapo in Maputo on Thursday where both sides agreed to deepen cooperation across security, economic reform and political coordination.
He said Russia is open to requests for security assistance from the Mozambican government.
The pledge comes as Mozambique continues to confront an insurgency that erupted in 2017, driven by militants aligned with the Islamic State.
The conflict has devastated districts in the gas‑rich northern province, displacing hundreds of thousands and prompting regional military interventions.
Despite gains made by Mozambican, Rwandan and Southern African Development Community forces, attacks persist in pockets of the province, underscoring the need for sustained international support.
Lavrov said the meeting reviewed bilateral cooperation and identified new areas for strengthening ties, noting that relations between the two countries date back to Soviet support during Mozambique’s liberation struggle.
Economic issues featured prominently in the talks, with Chapo outlining priorities for a new phase of reforms and investment.
Both sides agreed to advance these discussions through the upcoming meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Technical‑Scientific Cooperation.
JN/APA