Brussels, 18/07/2012 (Agence Europe). On Thursday 19 July, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, accompanied by EU Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, will visit Mozambique to discuss bilateral relations and future cooperation with Mozambican President Armando Guebuza and members of the government of this ACP (Africa/Caribbean/Pacific) country. This official visit will see three funding agreements signed, worth a total amount of €37 million from the European Development Fund (EDF). Barroso will also attend the summit of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) meeting in Maputo.
On Wednesday, the Commission president declared that “the country has been through a remarkable political transition in the last two decades and has seen impressive rates of growth. The next big challenge is to achieve a more inclusive and sustainable development that benefits all its population. We remain firmly committed to support Mozambique in this process”. At the CPLP summit, Barroso will reiterate “the EU's commitment to assist in the further development and consolidation of this organisation” of 8 States (Brazil, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tomé and Principe and East Timor).
The funding agreements that Andris Piebalgs will sign relate to: - a poverty reduction programme through economic development at the local level by strengthening the production and competitiveness of local micro, and small and medium-sized enterprises (€23.2 million); the Support to Non-State Actors in Mozambique project (€5 million) will promote governance and citizenship, and improve dialogue between civil society groups and public authorities. It includes, among other activities, an “Education for citizenship” campaign among young people; a programme to strengthen the rule of law and public accountability (€9 million), which will directly support three major Mozambican institutions (Parliament, Supreme Court, and Prosecution Service) and increase political interaction and dialogue between the legislative and executive powers.
President Barroso and Commissioner Piebalgs will also visit Port of Beira, a key part of the infrastructure of Mozambique and the EU-funded corridor project. The Beira corridor will provide an access to the interior of Mozambique and its hinterland - Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi - which will unlock substantial trade and economic opportunities for the region. (AN/transl.fl)