Maputo, Aug. 25, 2026 (Lusa) - Ukraine on Tuesday proposed a partnership between 11 universities in the country and Joaquim Chissano University in Mozambique, with a view to developing academic exchanges, research, agriculture, technology and training.
The Ukrainian ambassador to Mozambique, Rostyslav Tronenko, presented the proposal during a lecture at Joaquim Chissano University (UJC), formerly the Higher Institute of International Relations, in Maputo, focusing on relations between the two countries and the challenges of international security.
Tronenko said that Ukraine's Ministry of Education and Science had already provided the embassy with a list of 11 universities from different regions of the country interested in establishing ties with the Mozambican institution, including mobility programmes for students, lecturers and researchers, joint research and scholarships.
«We want to share knowledge, digital technologies and drone technologies for use in agriculture (…) and strengthen productive capacity,» said the diplomat, arguing that the cooperation should result in concrete projects in the fields of agriculture, food security, technology, health, energy and education.
The ambassador also considered that closer ties between universities could help strengthen bilateral relations by creating a series of joint projects, conferences, academic and scientific exchanges, and links between research institutions and companies in both countries.
«Ukraine has recognised expertise in agriculture, agricultural machinery and equipment, mining machinery, agro-industrial technologies, food products, engineering, technology and digital solutions,» said Tronenko, also highlighting potential for cooperation in the areas of gas, infrastructure, energy security and renewable energy.
According to the diplomat, the partnership should help transform natural resources into economic and social benefits through job creation, technological development and the training of young people and should encompass more than institutional diplomacy.
UJC professor Berno Kunchenje regarded the proposal as an opportunity to strengthen academic cooperation and recalled a history of collaboration with institutions in Ukraine dating back to the era of the former Soviet Union, including training Mozambican staff.
«It is an opportunity,» said Kunchenje, adding that academic cooperation should follow institutional procedures through the Ministry of Education and Culture, whilst acknowledging the university's and the country's interest in the technical areas highlighted by the diplomat.
Tronenko's address also took place to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, proclaimed on 24 August 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, during which the diplomat highlighted the historical roots of the Ukrainian state, predating modern independence.
The ambassador also addressed the war between Ukraine and Russia, which intensified on 24 February 2022 following the conflict that began in 2014 in eastern Ukraine, including Crimea and the Donbas, and emphasised the importance of international law, sovereignty and the territorial integrity of states.
Tronenko stated that, despite the war, Ukraine intends to strengthen its presence in Africa, regard Mozambique as a strategic partner and advocate for a long-term bilateral agenda based on dialogue, cooperation, development, knowledge and concrete results.
EYMZ/ADB // ADB.
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