The United States has donated an automatic maritime detecting system to the Mozambican Defense Ministry, state television reported Tuesday.

The system can identify vessels sailing in the Mozambican channel to ensure a more efficient control of the maritime traffic, the report said, adding that it can also be used in the fight against illegal immigration and piracy.

Defense Minister Jacinto Nyusi said both countries were determined to fight piracy in the Mozambican territorial waters.

"We regard the gesture as a continuation and consolidation of the existing friendship between Mozambique and the US ," he said, shortly after receiving the equipment.

Nyusi said the automatic system will strengthen the capacity of the Mozambican Armed Forces on the maritime vigilance.