The relationship with the former colony of Mozambique “is strategic and a priority” for Portugal, Prime Minister Antonio Costa said after an official visit during which he asked forgiveness for a colonial-era massacre.

“For Portugal, the relationship with Mozambique is strategic and a priority,” Costa wrote on his Twitter account after the official visit, which ended on Saturday.

Some 400 unarmed civilians were killed by Portuguese soldiers in the Wiriyamu massacre in 1972. Mozambique became independent in 1975.

“Nearly 50 years after that terrible day of December 16, 1972, I cannot fail here to evoke and bow before the memory of the victims of the Wiriyamu massacre, an inexcusable act which dishonors our history”, he said. declared Friday evening during a dinner. with the President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi.

“A relationship as intense and of such longevity” is “inevitably marked” by “moments that we certainly want to remember but also by moments and events that we have a duty never to forget”.

“In the face of history, we have a duty of repentance,” he added.

Costa also indicated during the visit that Mozambique, which should start exporting natural gas, could contribute to “the solution of the world energy crisis” in particular by using the Portuguese port of Sines “as a gateway to the Europe”.

“The start of natural gas exploration in Mozambique could not have come at a better time,” he said.