HC Deb 16 December 1987 vol 124 c565W
37. Mr. Riddick

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British officers and men are currently working in Mozambique helping to train the Mozambique army; and whether it is planned to alter that number.

Mrs. Chalker

A 14-man British military team is engaged in training members of the Mozambican Army at Nyanga, Zimbabwe. A defence adviser is attached to Her Majesty's embassy in Maputo for planning and liaison purposes. There are no plans to alter these numbers.

63. Mr. Atkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations with Mozambique.

Mrs. Chalker

The United Kingdom's relations with the People's Republic of Mozambique have continued to develop positively since President Chissano succeeded the late President Machel. President Chissano paid a successful official visit to Britain in May. This has been followed by ministerial contacts culminating in my recent visit to Mozambique. We support President Chissano's efforts to bring peace and stability to Mozambique. In recognition of this, as well as of Mozambique's strategic importance in southern Africa, we have this year committed over £34 million in bilateral development aid, food and disaster relief. In addition, we undertake the training in Nyanga, Zimbabwe, of limited numbers of the Mozambican armed forces.