REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE KEY OF THE CITY
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE KEY OF THE CITY CONSELHO MUNICIPAL, MAPUTO
Sua Excelencia, Sr. Presidente do Conselho Municipal, Presidente e membros da Asemblea do Municipio, é com prazer e honra que estou aqui hoje com todos voces.
Your Excellency, President of the Municipal Council, President and members of the Municipal Assembly, I am deeply grateful to you for the great honour you have bestowed on me and on Ireland by presenting me with the key to this beautiful City of Maputo.
I have been overwhelmed by the spontaneous warmth, generosity, and hospitality extended to me since I arrived in Mozambique and I thank all those whom we met, all those who prepared for our visit and all who are helping it go so smoothly. You have made us feel at home.
Muito obrigada.
Maputo is the heart of Mozambique. It leads the way in social, economic and political development and its dynamism is evident in economic initiatives such as the Maputo corridor and the growth of the port, as well as its popularity as a venue for major conferences such as the African Union Summit.
This lovely city with it mixture of old and new, beaches and islands not to mention its friendly people, has clearly very great potential to increase tourism. Ireland’s capital city, Dublin has some things in common with Maputo. Both have a long colonial history and while the experience may not always have been enjoyable, both have inherited some fine architecture, which without apology, we are making our own.
In the early days of our State, Dublin was noted for some of the worst slum dwellings anywhere in Europe. Today Dublin is a wealthy successful city, undergoing a major rejuvenation. You, who govern this city, have had to address similar deep-rooted problems and to try to turn the fortunes of this growing city around.
The Municipal Council’s work to improve conditions here in Maputo, including the steps being taken to improve the local markets, both for the vendors and customers buying produce is hugely important given that many Maputo families are dependent on employment in these informal sector markets. What you are doing is an important contribution to the local economy and a key step in reducing poverty. I wish you well too in the work of the Municipal Police who are determined to make the city a safer place for everyone.
These developments in Maputo and in the thirty-two other municipalities in the country represent a positive step in the democratic process in Mozambique, a process of increasing accountability and transparency and of ensuring that people’s needs, views and concerns are taken seriously in local politics. It is also an exciting development concept with municipalities from the North and South involved in exchanging ideas and experiences, and learning from each other. With such energy, enthusiasm and hope transforming this city I feel privileged to be counted among its honorary citizens.
I thank you again for the honour extended to me today. I hope that Maputo and Mozambique will grow in peace and prosperity so that soon all its children will know fulfilled and happy lives freed from poverty and lack of opportunity.
Sou orgulliosa ser “uma maputense” hoje.
(I am delighted to be a Maputuan from today).
Muito obrigada.