Readout of PDO Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Anthony Tata Meetings With Senior Officials in Mozambique

Anthony Tata, performing the duties of (PDO) under secretary of defense for policy, met with Mozambican Minister of Defense Jaime Neto and Minister of Interior Amade Miquidade during a visit to the country January 8.

PDO USD(P) Tata highlighted the U.S. government’s interest in growing its partnership with Mozambique to counter terrorism and prevent violent extremism in northern Mozambique.  Parties reviewed the ongoing security situation in northern Mozambique, where ISIS-linked groups have contributed to the killing of over 2,000 people and displacement of over 500,000 people. 

PDO USD(P) Tata discussed potential Defense Department training for the Mozambique military to improve its capability to defeat ISIS and bring stability to the region.  Both sides agreed on the importance of identifying needs in the areas of equipment and services, including in strategic planning to counter this threat. 

The U.S. Department of Defense will continue to execute its mission, including by strengthening alliances and developing new partnerships, as we uphold our oath of office and the Constitution.