Brazil’s President has sanctioned a gift of three Tucano (Embraer BEM-312) training aircraft to Mozambique, and the move now only requires a go-ahead from the National Congress, the Brazilian Defence Minister, Celso Amorim said Wednesday in Maputo.

The Brazilian minister also said that Mozambique may also acquire Super Tucano fighter jets and naval manoeuvres simulator from Brazil, and “may be offered mid or long term finance to acquire three Super Tucano (Embraer EMB-314) aircraft.”

“If Mozambique confirms the interest show in the past of acquiring three fighter aircraft, which are relatively expensive, there is the possibility of offering mid and long term funding,” said the Brazilian minister.

Celso Amorim announced the “Brazilian offer of contributing to Mozambique’s naval system,” as part of a programme that will result in sending a mission, at the beginning of April, “to analyse some naval bases,” such as Pemba and Maputo.

The Brazilian minister also said that, “the need to protect and defend natural resources in Mozambique is very big,” referring to increased cooperation between the two countries.

Brazil and Mozambique’s economic interests are mainly focused on mining resources, through Brazilian company vale, and agriculture, through the ProSavana project, which also involves Japan. (macauhub)