Celebration marks 45 years of Vietnam-Mozambique diplomatic ties

In his opening remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador Le Huy Hoang emphasised the significance of the day bilateral diplomatic ties were set up, June 25, 1975, which was also when Mozambique declared its independence.

This important milestone opened up a new chapter in their relations, which have enjoyed proud, substantive, and effective achievements, he said.

The ambassador noted relations between the two ruling parties, the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), have continually been tightened and served as a firm foundation for the increasingly substantive cooperation in various fields, from investment, telecommunications, and trade to agriculture, healthcare, and education.

Notably, Movitel, a US$600 million joint venture between Vietnam’s telecoms group Viettel and the SPI company of Mozambique, has been operating fruitfully, thus contributing to local socio-economic development.

Highlighting Vietnam’s successes during 35 years of reforms and its 2020 ASEAN Chairmanship, Hoang affirmed that Vietnam is always willing to assist and share experience with Mozambique, which is acting as Chair of the Southern African Development Community, in socio-economic development, disease outbreak prevention and control, along with regional and international integration.

Mozambique Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Manuel Gonçalves addresses the event. (Photo: VNA)

Mozambique Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Manuel Gonçalves said his country always treasures the two countries’ traditional relations, including Vietnam’s solidarity with and precious assistance for Mozambique during the fight for national independence in the past as well as development and pandemic and disaster settlement efforts at present.

Mozambique views Vietnam as an important partner in Asia, he affirmed, speaking highly of the Southeast Asian nation’s achievements in industrialisation, modernisation, and human resources development, which have helped improve its people’s living standards.

The official said he hopes the two countries will keep reinforcing their friendship, increase all-level mutual visits and people-to-people exchange, and boost cooperation, especially in agriculture, aquaculture, science-technology, education-training, healthcare, defence, security, and natural disaster response.

He also asked Vietnam to encourage more businesses to invest in Mozambique in such priority areas as mining and agriculture.