Russia will maintain defense co-operation with Mozambique at a level that the African country finds appropriate, Russian Ambassador in Mozambique Alexander Surikov said in an interview to Russian news agency TASS.

“We have a rather advanced legal framework as far as defense cooperation with Mozambique is concerned,” he stated. “During recent visits, we made an agreement facilitating Russian warships’ visits to Mozambique’s ports. Cooperation will continue at a level that Mozambique finds appropriate,” the diplomat underlined.

H.E. Surikov pointed out that the USSR had provided assistance to Mozambique during its war for independence. “It is no wonder that Mozambique’s coat of arms features an AK rifle,” he noted.

“Mozambique is now a peaceful country, the war for independence is over, and our cooperation declined accordingly, it has never been permanent,” the diplomat pointed out. “Depending on the situation, we provide more assistance to our friends in Mozambique when they need it and reduce the amount of help when they have no need for it. When they need additional resources, Russia provides assistance in accordance with their requests,” he explained.

H.E.Surikov rejected allegations that Russia sought to interfere in the domestic affairs of African countries. “Some have been raising this issue in relation to Mozambique because the country’s government is carrying out a series of operations against armed gangs active in the north of Mozambique, where several rich deposits of natural resources are located,” he added.