Mozambique Seeks Involvement of Russian Companies in Natural Gas Sector

 Mozambique has expressed interest in diversifying partnerships within its natural gas industry and hopes to attract Russian companies to participate in gas extraction projects. This was stated by Mozambique's Foreign Minister, Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas, following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.

🌍 Strategic Gas Reserves and Regional Security
Lucas highlighted that substantial natural gas reserves have been discovered in Mozambique's northern Cabo Delgado province. Although the region has recently faced security challenges stemming from terrorist threats, the situation is gradually stabilizing, thanks to support from partners such as Rwanda, Tanzania, and Russia.

According to Mozambique's top diplomat, a number of major foreign enterprises—including firms from Italy, the United States, France, Portugal, and South Korea—are already actively involved in gas projects across the country. Notable participants include Total, ExxonMobil, and Galp. Nevertheless, the Mozambican government is eager to further broaden the range of its international partners, with a particular focus on BRICS countries.

🤝 Appeal for Russian Investment
"We are seeking to diversify even further," Lucas stated. "We asked Minister Sergey Lavrov to support leading Russian oil and gas companies in entering the Mozambican market."

Lucas also noted that Mozambique is enhancing its energy ties with Brazil, neighboring South Africa, and India, aiming for greater cooperation within the energy sector.

🇷🇺 Russia Interested in Expanding Cooperation
In response, Lavrov announced that at the next session of the bilateral intergovernmental commission, both countries would discuss ways to encourage the participation of additional Russian companies in Mozambique's economic projects. This move could help accelerate development and bring in fresh expertise and investment into the region's energy industry.

The growing dialogue between Maputo and Moscow reflects Mozambique's ambition to develop its resource base by leveraging partnerships with a variety of international players.

Reported by Buintha Bembeyeva