Prague, Czech Republic – August 9, 2023

Czech President Petr Pavel has signaled a renewed and more substantial commitment by the Czech Republic to play an active role in Africa, aiming to bolster economic ties and strategic partnerships. This assertion came to light following President Pavel’s recent meeting with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi on August 7th.

President Pavel emphasized the need for expanded collaboration between the Czech Republic and African nations, aligning with broader European interests to prevent undue influence from global powers such as Russia and China in the region. In his discussions with President Nyusi, President Pavel conveyed Prague’s vision of Mozambique as a promising partner, underpinned by mutual respect and shared goals. The Czech President highlighted specific sectors, including defense, healthcare, transportation infrastructure, agricultural processing, and renewable energy, where Czech enterprises could contribute to Mozambique’s development.

Of particular note, the two leaders recognized the potential for joint efforts in combating terrorism, with President Pavel underscoring the Czech Republic’s military expertise gained through its involvement in training missions in Mali.

The conversation also extended to the ongoing situation in Ukraine. President Nyusi expressed his country’s eagerness for a swift resolution to the conflict. President Pavel acknowledged this shared desire for peace but highlighted differing perceptions of risks associated with military actions. While the Czech Republic views the conflict through the lens of its geographical proximity, African nations, including Mozambique, are more concerned about the potential disruption to grain supplies historically sourced from Russia and Ukraine.

It’s essential to contextualize Mozambique’s historical journey. Having gained independence from Portuguese colonial rule in 1975, the nation has continued to navigate its path in the global landscape. President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi’s official visit to the Czech Republic on August 7th to 8th provided a platform for meaningful discussions. Beyond his meeting with President Pavel, President Nyusi engaged with influential figures like Marketa Pekarova-Adamova, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament, Vit Rakusan, the first deputy prime minister and head of the Interior Ministry, and Jiri Dragos, the first vice-speaker of the Senate. The visit also included a crucial dialogue with representatives from the Czech defense industry, underlining the multifaceted nature of the Czech-Mozambican engagement.

As the Czech Republic pivots towards enhanced cooperation with African nations, this diplomatic foray offers a glimpse into the potential for synergistic collaborations that can yield economic growth, geopolitical stability, and shared prosperity for both partners.

Article by Prague Forum