The first-ever Mozambique-Türkiye defence industry cooperation forum has commenced in Mozambique's capital, Maputo.

Stakeholders from the two countries are meeting to discuss existing cooperation opportunities and to focus on new initiatives aimed at strengthening strategic partnerships.

The two-day forum is coordinated by the Presidency of Türkiye, Defence Industries, and the Türkiye Directorate of Communications.

 The Türkiye delegation includes Secretary of Turkish Secretariat of Defence Industries Prof Haluk Görgün, Deputy Secretary of Secretariat of Defence Industries Mustafa Murat Şeker, and the General Manager of Turkish software company Havelsan Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar, along with companies operating in the sector.

Genuine partnership

Opportunities for cooperation between Türkiye and Mozambique will also be evaluated in areas such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) systems, naval and land platforms, technology transfer, local production models, joint research, and development projects, and training programmes.

In his remarks at the forum, Prof Görgün addressed the significance of launching the first-ever cooperation forum between the two countries.

"Türkiye’s growing presence in Africa reflects a principled, long-term commitment to a genuine partnership based on equality, mutual benefit, and local ownership, not a temporary interest," Prof Görgün said.

He added: "We consider our defence industry cooperation with African countries to be a strategic area. As the Secretariat of Defence Industries, we have so far signed Defence Industry Cooperation (DIC) Agreements with 30 African countries, including Mozambique."

'Sense of common destiny'

Emphasising that 2025 will mark the 20th anniversary of Türkiye's observer status in the African Union, Görgün stated: "Beyond the projects and figures, what truly defines Türkiye’s relations with Africa is a sense of common destiny. Our history of struggle, honour, and independence connects us."

The Secretariat of Defence Industries will also host a media briefing with Mozambican journalists to introduce Türkiye's advanced technologies and production capacity in the defence industry.

The book, “From Roots to Horizons: The Story of Türkiye's Rising Defence Industry” authored by Turkish Direcorate of Communications, will also be presente