Mozambique implored to lobby for UN reform

MOZAMBIQUE should leverage on its tenure as a non-permanent member in the United Nations Security Council to foster justice and peace as well as help lobby for the reform of the world body to reflect the multi-polar and geo-political factors, said President Mnangagwa on Tuesday.

Speaking during a State banquet for visiting Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, in Zimbabwe for a State visit to deepen economic cooperation, President Mnangagwa said: “At the global stage, we must continue to advocate for the reform of the United Nations, especially the UN Security Council, to make it more reflective of the multi-polar world and present global geo-political realities.

“We are also confident that Mozambique will use its tenure in the United Nations Security Council to foster the ideals of a just, prosperous and peaceful world,” said President Mnangagwa.

Mozambique became a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in January this year, to run for two years and be the council president for March this year.

The Security Council consists of 15 countries, five of them are permanent members with the right to veto: China, Russia, France, Britain and United States. The other 10 are elected for two year terms, five each year, to represent regions.

President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe and Mozambique continue to enjoy good and fruitful bilateral relations, epitomised by interactions at various levels, including at the highest political level.

“The socio-economic, political and cultural relations between our two countries are built on a solid and unshakeable foundation.

“This was laid before and during our fight for independence, freedom and democracy. We consider the people of Mozambique our dearest family, brothers, sisters, comrades and cherished friends,” said President Mnangagwa.

“We must continue to build on the strong legacy of comradeship, which has transformed to become a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship.”

The President said he cherished his visit to Mozambique in April last year, where several agreements were signed.

“To this end, we remain committed to the bilateral framework, which must enable us to jointly monitor the implementation of the various projects and programmes. Our pursuit of new areas of cooperation and partnerships is critical.

“I note with satisfaction that our strategic partnership in critical areas such as agriculture, water resource management, transport, tourism, energy as well as defence and security, continue to flourish.”

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