Concluding the fourth session of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Mozambique, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mozambican President Daniel Chapo jointly launched a domestic gas processing unit built by Sasol which will reduce imports of this product by 75%, vowing to explore new vistas of opportunity and possibilities for both countries.

Speaking at the Bi-National, in Maputo, Ramaphosa said the two countries agreed on the need to implement decisions, identify opportunities and explore investment avenues for mutual benefit.

Ramaphosa explained that the launch of the $1-billion Integrated Hydrocarbons Infrastructure Facility, located in Inhambane province, exemplified how neighbouring countries can collaborate effectively and said the project also illustrated how public-private sector partnerships could be used successfully.

Both countries signed the memoranda of understanding, on Wednesday, which Ramaphosa said was a significant development and provided impetus towards concretising cooperation.

“Our current cooperation should be amplified through deeper cooperation in energy, mining, infrastructure, agriculture, financial services, telecommunications, health, tourism and hospitality.

“Our countries are endowed with rich natural resources, both on land and offshore. We will pursue cooperation in the defence and security sector, including on issues of border management,” he said.

Ramaphosa announced that Mozambique was South Africa’s largest trading partner on the African continent and the fourth in the world.

“We are committed to growing this partnership in a mutually beneficial manner. Many South African companies have invested in Mozambique,” he said.

Ramaphosa noted that a lot of practical benefits have been achieved, highlighting that the countries have received a comprehensive report of the Council of Ministers, reflecting the work and outcomes of focused deliberations between senior officials and technical experts.

“We assessed progress since the third session of the Bi-National Commission in Pretoria in 2022. Let me also acknowledge with deep appreciation the contributions made by our Ministers, building on the hard work of the officials,” he said.