The main issue for the talks was how Norway and Mozambique can strengthen their relations, particularly regarding clean energy and the challenges posed by climate changes. Mozambique is among the countries worst affected by climate changes, and is regularly hit by flooding and drought. The negative impact threatens the development and wellbeing of Mozambique’s population.
Another important topic for discussion was how to strengthen foreign investment and encourage the private sector in Mozambique.
During the visit Mr. Solheim and Mozambique’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Oldemiro Balói, signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Norwegian Government and the Government of Mozambique for continued humanitarian demining in Mozambique. The scale and impact of Mozambique’s landmine problem is still high, and increased efforts are required to reach the goal of full clearance of all minefields by 2014.
After the talks Mr. Solheim was honored with a cultural show at the old fortress in Maputo. The show was put together by a Norwegian instructor and local performers, and illustrated the benefits offered by cultural cooperation between the two countries. Solheim in return gave a speech in which he praised Mozambique for the considerable progress the country has made since the devastating war of destabilization ended in 1992.
On the second day of his journey Mr. Solheim visited Beira, where he met with the provincial governor and representatives of the private sector involved in the Beira Agricultural Growth Corridor Initiative (BAGC). The port of Beira is of major importance to landlocked Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. BAGC aims to coordinate efforts by authorities, private investors and international partners to develop agriculture in the corridor, gaining both from the rich soil and the advanced infrastructure already in place. The Norwegian company Yara is among the stakeholders, with investments in the development of Beira’s port as well as agriculture in the corridor.
In the northern province of Nampula, Mr. Solheim met with the provincial governor and visited the Matanuska banana plantation. Norfund is among the investors in the major plantation which is currently employing 3.000 people and aims to increase this to 4.000 by 2012.
In Niassa Mr. Solheim met with the provincial governor and local farmers’ associations. He also visited the Chikweti forest plantation which is partly owned by the Sweden and Norway-based ethical investment fund Global Solidarity Forest Fund. The plantation provides a considerable number of jobs and works to improve local infrastructure as well as food security.
After three intense but rewarding days in Mozambique, Mr. Solheim on 3 March travelled onwards to Lilongwe to begin his visit to Malawi.