United States ExxonMobil has restated its commitment to investing in the northern natural gas fields of Mozambique in the Rovumo Basin in Cabo Delgado province, despite the potential threat posed by an insurgency.
The US will help to fight other high-seas crime as well.
The assurance was given to Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi by ExxonMobil management when the president visited Washington last week.
On his return to Maputo, Nyusi told a press conference that he had discussed developments in the fight against terrorism in Cabo Delgado with ExxonMobil executives.
He said the Americans were concerned that the insurgents could resume their activities, but were impressed by the successes of the Mozambican response to overcome them.
Nyusi met with the US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, who guaranteed US support in the fight against terrorism, piracy, and other crimes that occurred on the high seas, including illegal fishing, drug trafficking and people trafficking.
“We exchanged impressions and there will be a follow-up to find ways to confront those who use our waters to commit crimes,” he said.
Nyusi also met with Rwandan president, Paul Kagame, to discuss security in Cabo Delgado where Rwandan troops are fighting alongside Mozambican forces to thwart an Islamic insurgency.
