Maputo — The Mozambican armed forces (FADM) have received two new boats to strengthen patrolling of the coast to try and check illegal activities, including illegal fishing.

These are inflatable boats donated by the United States Defence Department. The boats, with communications and all the necessary navigation equipment, are costed at 400,000 US dollars. This brings the total number of boats donated by the United States to the Mozambican navy to five.

United States charge d'affaires, Todd Chapman, who handed over the boats to the FADM, expressed the hope that the new equipment will be put to good use in patrolling Mozambican waters and checking illegal fishing by foreign vessels.

"We are taking this step for a number of reasons. One of them is to increase the capacity of the Mozambican navy to patrol the country's territorial waters, thus improving security along the coast", he said. "The long coast line of this country (more than 2,500 kilometres) is unfortunately attractive for those involved in illegal activities".

Chapman added that another reason is to further strengthen the relationship between the Mozambican and US governments and enhance the economic development of the country, a plan that includes protecting its natural resources, including its fisheries.

For his part, Mozambican Defence Minister Filipe Nhussi said that the two boats will contribute to improving the FADM's capacity, helping it to modernize and fulfill its mission.

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