Vietnam and Mozambique recently co-organised a series of activitiestowards the signing of an agreement on bilateral cooperation on wildanimal protection.

A Vietnamese delegation,which consisted of officials from the Ministries of Public Security,Foreign Affairs, Agriculture and Rural Development, the GeneralDepartment of Vietnam Customs, the Supreme People’s Procuracy, and theWildlife Conservation Society, visited Mozambique from May 18-20 for thepurpose.

The delegation and the Vietnamese Embassayin Mozambique held a working session with the Mozambiquean Minister ofLand, Environment and Rural Development, Celso Ismael Correia, on theissue.

Minister Celso Ismael Correia highlighted hisgovernment focus on wildlife conservation and appreciated Vietnam’sgoodwill towards those efforts.

He urged holding talks for the early conclusion of a bilateral agreement on wildlife conservation cooperation.

The delegation discussed with a multi-sectoral delegation of theMozambiquean Government at a separate meeting the contents of theaforesaid agreement. The Mozambiquean side said ministries and agenciesof both countries should increases information and experience sharing infighting the illegal trade and transport of samples of wild animalsfacing extinction.

The delegation also held adialogue with foreign ambassadors and representatives from internationalorganisations on Vietnam’s efforts to fight wildlife trade. Theambassadors appreciated the country’s measures, which have brought aboutpositive changes in the field.

The Vietnameseofficials also organised a public event to raise awareness among theVietnamese community in Mozambique on conservation policies andprogrammes, including preventing the trade of rhino horns and elephanttusks and curbing wildlife trafficking.

Besides Mozambique, the delegation has visited Kenya, Tanzania and the Republic of South Africa for similar purposes.-VNA