India ready to partner with Mozambique in all development areas: President Pranab Mukherjee

NEW DELHI: India stands ready to partner with Mozambique in all areas of its development and both countries should work together to diversify bilateral trade, President Pranab Mukherjee has said.

The President said India is happy to see Mozambique continuing its high rate of economic growth.

"With the recent discoveries of natural gas and minerals, the future holds a lot of promise. India stands ready to partner with Mozambique in all areas of its development.

"Expected growth of Mozambican economy through exports of gas provides more scope for trade and investment. Both countries should work together to diversify bilateral trade," he said.

Mukherjee had yesterday received Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique and his wife Isaura Farrao Nyusi at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He also hosted a banquet in their honour.

The President said India attaches high importance to its relations with Mozambique. "Indian companies have made some of their largest investments overseas in Mozambique. Trade between the two countries has seen impressive growth in recent years," Mukherjee said.

He expressed confidence that Mozambican President's visit will strengthen the friendly relations and partnership between India and Mozambique.

In his banquet speech, Mukherjee said that the state visit was taking place at a time when India and Mozambique are commemorating 40 years of establishment of their diplomatic relations.

"India is glad to see that since then, Mozambique has made remarkable progress in reducing poverty, enhancing literacy, providing primary healthcare to its people and significantly increasing its agricultural production.

"By ensuring internal peace and stability in the last two decades and taking up wide-ranging reforms, Mozambique has transformed itself into one of the fastest growing economies in Africa," the President said.