The signing of an MOU between Australia and Mozambique this week in Canberra reflects the strong and growing development partnership between the two countries.
The Mozambican Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, His Excellency Oldemiro Baloi, together with the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Richard Marles, signed the MOU on Mining for Development. Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Mozambican President Armando Guebuza witnessed the MOU signing.
The MOU will draw on Australian expertise to support Mozambique's efforts to maximise the sustainable and equitable development impact from exploitation of its vast mineral reserves. With a strong focus on building capacity for tertiary and technical education in relevant disciplines, the MOU will also help improve regional planning and coordination for minerals extraction.
Australia has invested more than $50 million in development assistance to Mozambique since 2009–10, with a focus on improvements to water and sanitation service delivery.
As part of the signing this week, Mr Marles also announced more than $2 million for five research projects, most of which will examine how to effectively use mineral resources to support economic growth in sectors such as agriculture, and improve delivery of water and sanitation services to local communities.