2 June 2022
Mozambique and Russia have agreed to strengthened ties during a two-day visit of a top Russian politician to Maputo.
Both sides signed a deal in Mozambique’s capital aimed at strengthening co-operation between the two country’s parliaments, including when it comes to information sharing.
Valentina Matviyenko, chairwoman of the the Russian Federation Council or senate, had high praise for Mozambique, calling it a “trustworthy partner” and recalling Moscow’s historic support for the southern African nation.
This ranged from assistance during the liberation struggle against Portuguese colonisers to training Mozambicans in Russia, she noted.
Since February, Russia has been a pariah on most of the world stage because of its invasion of Ukraine.
However, Mozambique was one of 58 countries that abstained on a UN General Assembly vote on suspending Russia from the UN Human Rights Council because of the war.
Ms Matviyenko’s trip comes after an October invite from the speaker of the Mozambican parliament, Esperança Bias.
