Mozambique wants to increase the intensity of its relations with India, re-elected Mozambican President Armando Emilio Guebuza told visiting Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor.
Tharoor had reached the Southern African country's capital Maputo Wednesday to attend the inauguration of President Guebuza's second term. He met Guebuza soon after his arrival.
"The president expressed interest in imparting greater vigour and momentum to the close and cooperative relations between India and Mozambique in his second term of office," said a press release issued by the ministry of external affairs Thursday.
Tharoor also met the ministers of foreign affairs, interior and science and technology. Later, the Mozambican foreign minister hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting Indian minister.
He joined heads of states and governments and senior officials at the inauguration ceremony of President Guebuza Thursday.
India is one of Mozambique's largest trading and investment partners, with Indian companies active in the transport, minerals, energy and infrastructure development sectors.
"India's political and moral support for Mozambique during its struggle for independence and its economic assistance over the years has been appreciated by the government and people of Mozambique," the press release said.
Since 2002, India has extended five lines of credit totalling $115 million for projects in rural electrification, water management and Information Technology. "Mozambique greatly values the S&T park and research incubator financed under a Line of Credit and to be completed in two years. Capacity building support in several sectors is underway and the Pan African e-network project has been commissioned," the release added.