Maputo, Mozambique — Mozambican Youth and Sports Minister Joel Libombo Friday praised the work being carried out to consolidate youth organisations in the country.

Such youth movements were "a source of participatory learning for young people," he said, adding that they are important for consolidating and enriching democracy.

"More than ever the youth are today called upon to give their contribution for the solution of their problems, which are also the nation's problems," he said.

Speaking in Maputo at the second general assembly of the National Youth Council (CNJ), Libombo stressed that young people are the engine of the country, the guarantors of peace, stability and national unity.

The CNJ, said Libombo, is a privileged partner of the government in the management of issues important for young people, and should be a space for dialogue and exchange of ideas and experiences between the associations.

Consequently, it had to contribute to the search for solutions for the problems and concerns that affect Mozambican youths.

Libombo stressed the importance of young people's participation in the struggle against the spread of the lethal disease AIDS, which was not just a health issue but "a problem for all of society."

The programmes of action to be adopted by the CNJ Assembly must place the issue of AIDS at the top of its agenda, he said, adding that this requires an improved organisation in the body's capacity to act in making the country's youth aware of this challenge.

The three-day General Assembly General will culminate with the election of a new CNJ leadership.

The CNJ was created to establish liaison between young people and the government, and co-ordinate the activities of the various youth organisations in country.