Scottish Secretary David Mundell is to visit Mozambique to explore further oil and gas partnerships with Scotland.

He will visit the town of Pemba to build on a formal memorandum of understanding with Aberdeen.

The Scotland Office said the area had “huge reserves of offshore natural gas and is expected to become a major global producer in coming years”.

Mr Mundell will announce the February visit during a visit to Aberdeen on Thursday.

The Aberdeen visit will include a meeting with representatives of the offshore oil and gas industry.

‘Expertise to share’

Ahead of the meeting, Mr Mundell said: “Aberdeen’s link-up with Mozambique is a win-win for both sides.

“Mozambique can learn a huge amount from Aberdeen’s oil and gas hub model, and its associated experience and expertise.

“At the same time, Scottish companies will be able to bid for new work and contracts out in Mozambique.

“Our oil and gas sector has huge expertise to share.

“This deal will also bring fantastic opportunities for British companies working in the Scottish oil and gas sector to win new contracts supporting Pemba’s growing offshore industry.”

Councillor Jenny Laing, leader of Aberdeen City Council which has been driving the Pemba initiative, said: “I very much welcome the visit to Mozambique by David Mundell. It will help reinforce the commitment of the UK to supporting Aberdeen and its industries.”

Source: BBC News