The presidents of the Czech Republic and Mozambique, Petr Pavel and Filipe Nyusi, convened in Prague to discuss avenues of economic cooperation between their nations. The meeting focused on the importance of fostering a collaborative relationship to counterbalance the influence of larger players like Russia and China in the African region.

President Pavel emphasized that Europe’s interest lies in preventing the dominance of Russia and China in African nations. He underlined that offering alternative possibilities for cooperation to African countries could reduce the influence of these external powers. The Czech Republic, President Pavel asserted, has a role to play in bolstering European-African cooperation and providing viable alternatives.

Both presidents expressed mutual interest in reinforcing economic cooperation between the two countries. President Nyusi highlighted Mozambique’s substantial mineral resources and favorable climate for agricultural production. He called for Czech investment in energy, industry, and transport infrastructure development.

The Czech President noted that Mozambique presents opportunities for Czech businesses in defense, healthcare, transport infrastructure, agricultural processing, and renewable energy sectors. This sentiment was echoed by the Mozambican delegation, which is set to negotiate possible cooperation with Czech companies.

Beyond economic collaboration, the presidents discussed the potential for joint efforts in combating terrorism. Pavel noted that the Czech Republic could provide assistance based on its experience gained from military missions, particularly in Mali.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine also featured in the discussions. While both nations desire a swift end to the conflict, they perceive the risks differently. For the Czech Republic, the conflict poses a direct security threat, whereas African countries are concerned about potential disruptions to their corn supply, which has historically been sourced from Russia and Ukraine.

Mozambique has historical ties with the Czech Republic, dating back to the days of Czechoslovakia. President Nyusi, who studied mechanical engineering in Brno during the late 1980s, shared a personal connection with President Pavel.

As President Nyusi continues his visit to the Czech Republic, discussions with top Czech politicians and visits to key institutions are expected to further strengthen the collaboration between the two nations. The visit serves as a testament to the potential for partnerships between countries from different regions to address common challenges and opportunities.

Article by Prague Forum