10 February 2015 – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the meetings between Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi and the head of the opposition RENAMO party, Afonso Dhlakama, adding his approval of the progress made in talks between the two leaders and congratulating them both for their “commitment to dialogue,” the UN Spokesperson's office has announced.

In a statement released late yesterday evening, the UN Spokesperson explained that Mr. Ban had voiced hope that the meetings would “pave the way for the peaceful resolution of outstanding issues” in respect of the constitutional framework and the work of the National Assembly.

The meetings between Mr. Nyusi and Mr. Dhlakama – held in the capital of Maputo from 7 to 9 February – are, reportedly, the first face-to-face encounters between the two since RENAMO initiated a boycott of the Mozambique Parliament, preventing its 89 deputies to attend the opening session of the National Assembly.

“The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support Mozambique as it endeavours to promote development, strong democratic institutions as well as sustainable peace and stability,” the statement added.