Media release
10 September 2009
Visit to Australia by Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
Mozambique's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mr Oldemiro Baloi, is visiting Australia from 10 to 15 September.
I will meet Mr Baloi in Perth tomorrow, Friday 11 September.
I most recently met Mr Baloi at the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh in July.
It is the first official visit to Australia by a Foreign Minister of Mozambique in nearly 20 years. This testifies to the growing strength of Australia's relationship with Mozambique.
During his visit to Perth, Mr Baloi and I will visit the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) of Western Australia and Fremantle Port.
He will be my guest at an official lunch at the University of Western Australia.
Since the end of civil war in 1992, Mozambique has been one of Africa's most successful examples of post-war reconstruction and economic development.
Mozambique's strong economic growth over the past decade has created significant opportunities to build commercial links between Australia and Mozambique.
Mozambique is Australia's second largest trading partner in Africa. Australian investment in Mozambique's minerals resources industry continues to grow.
Mr Baloi and I will discuss avenues for advancing our trade and investment links, including in infrastructure, minerals resources and education.
Despite its economic achievements, Mozambique faces significant challenges, including natural disasters, HIV/AIDS and delivery of essential services.
Australia is committed to assisting Mozambique meet these challenges.
Media inquiries:
- Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555