State of nation is challenging, but encouraging: Mozambican president

MAPUTO, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi said Wednesday in Maputo in a national speech that despite the economic difficulties in the country, the state of the nation is encouraging.

Speaking at the assembly at the annual state-of-the-nation address, Nyusi said "because we are a resilient people, I can proudly and without fear affirm that the state of the nation is challenging, but encouraging."

The president acknowledged that the challenges that lie ahead are immense, which include the achievement of peace, the consolidation of national unity and the fight against corruption, inequality and poverty.

However, he said all these can be achieved only with a lasting peace. In this field, he pointed out that one of the main achievements in 2017 was the indefinite truce since December 2016 between the government and Renamo, the largest opposition party.

In his speech, the president also spoke of the achievements in education, health, justice, and economics. Enditem