No country can prosper alone – King
MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE – No country can thrive in isolation, even with abundant natural resources.
This was the central message delivered by His Majesty the King during bilateral talks with Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, emphasising the need for African nations to collaborate for sustainable development.
The discussions, held to strengthen ties between the two neighbouring countries, underscored the importance of unity in achieving shared prosperity.
In his address, His Majesty expressed gratitude to President Chapo, the Mozambican government, and its people for their collective efforts in advancing national development.
“There is no meaningful development that can take place if the nation does not support the aspirations of the government, which seeks to improve the welfare of its people,” he stated.
He urged leaders to align their efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and Africa’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous and integrated continent.
The King highlighted the detrimental impact of conflicts, which divert resources from social welfare to crisis management, stunting economic progress.
He called for African solutions to African challenges, noting the continent’s rich resources—fertile soils, diverse landscapes, and vast minerals—yet persistent poverty.
“This is a serious cause for concern,” he remarked, advocating for a shift from dependency on global powers to self-reliance through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The AfCFTA, he noted, would drive value addition and intra-African trade, creating opportunities for businesses and communities.
Emphasising the power of collaboration, His Majesty invoked the proverb, “If you want to walk fast, walk alone, but if you want to walk far, walk together.”
He stressed that partnerships are essential in the 21st century, urging both nations to foster a free and fair political environment while respecting sovereignty.
Enhanced trade and an enabling business climate were identified as critical to unlocking the potential of their shared border.
The King expressed optimism about the bilateral cooperation, envisioning the removal of bottlenecks to facilitate business and technical collaboration.
He highlighted key sectors for partnership, including agriculture, tourism, defence, security, health, education, and energy.
“Our two peoples are looking upon us to make sure that as neighbours we become a beacon of hope and envy in the continent,” he concluded, reaffirming the commitment to a prosperous future for both nations.
During the bilateral talks, the King emphasised the need to have joint cooperation in water resources as they are a vital element to human life. He also informed the president that the country was in the process of building a strategic oil reserve in order to improve fuel sufficiency.
He said access to Mozambique’s ports was essential, adding that he wished to see more exchange programmes between the two countries in this regard.
Meanwhile, His Majesty the King has congratulated Mozambique President Daniel Chapo for his election. He said he would have attended his inauguration but was restricted by traditional activities.
He assured the President that his heart and spirit were with him during the ceremony.
