New Delhi/Maputo, Apr 14 : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a visit to Mozambique, said the time-tested and historic relationship with Mozambique is expanding and both sides are ready to take it to the next level.

He also virtually inaugurated the India-made Buzi Bridge and said it is a practical example of the bilateral solidarity and friendship.

On his meeting with the Indian diaspora at the reception hosted by Indian High Commissioner in Maputo Ankan Banerjee on Thursday evening, he said in tweets:

“Pleased to meet community representatives and friends of India at the reception hosted by High Commissioner in Maputo this evening.

“Underlined the significance of our time-tested and historic relationship that is expanding. And we are ready to take it to the next level.

“Highlighted that India today does not speak only for itself, but for the Global South.

“Transformational changes are happening in an Atmanirbhar Bharat that is putting us on a different trajectory.

“We will keep following PM @narendramodi’s Kampala principles and will be guided by priorities and interests of our partners in their quest for growth and development.

“Thanked the Indian community for shaping the image of our nation abroad,” he said.

On the inauguration of the bridge, the Indian High Commission said in a tweet:

“Thank EAM @drsjaishankar for virtually inaugurating the Buzi Bridge constructed as part of 132 km Tica-Buzi-Nova-Sofala Road project. Another step in strengthening India-Mozambique ties.”

EAM retweeting the tweet, posted: “A practical example of our solidarity and friendship. Will make a difference to so many in Mozambique.”

The 670 metre long bridge over the Buzi river is part of the 132 km Tica-Buzi-Nova-Sofala Road project. Work on the project has been underway since 2018 at a cost of US$118 million and financed by the Exim-Bank of India.

It is being executed by Indian contractor AFLONS under the supervision of WAPCOS. The project has got delayed following the tropical cyclones Idai, Chalane and Eloise. These phenomena forced the elevation of the platform quota and an increase in components unforeseen in the initial sketch.

Covid-19 also caused a setback in the works, especially in the import of materials from India

The project, including the bridge, will provide the coastal district of Búzi greater socio-economic development, boost trade and the free movement of people and goods.

Búzi has potential in agriculture, livestock, fishing, guano in the Estaquinha caves, oilseed, and tourism in the Mwenhe-Mukuro Sanctuary, in the administrative post of Nova-Sofala, a report said.

EAM Jaishankar is visiting Mozambique, on the southeast coast of Africa, from April 13-15. This is the first-ever visit by an External Affairs Minister of India to the Republic of Mozambique.

EAM is to call on the top leadership and also co-chair the 5th Session of the Joint Commission Meeting with Mozambican Foreign Minister Veronica Macamo.