Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata says Zambia remains committed to strengthening the 50-year-old warm and cordial bilateral relations with Mozambique.
Ms Mulyata says Zambia has been an all-weather partner of Mozambique in fostering peace and development in the SADC region and the African continent at large.
Speaking when she officiated at the Mozambican National day to mark 50 years of independence for that country in Lusaka, the Minister said the two countries enjoy cooperation in various sectors that include trade, energy, transport and security.
Ms Mulyata added that the development of cross-border infrastructure such as the construction of roads, rail links and power interconnectors is testament to the shared vision within Mozambique for a more prosperous region.
The Lusaka Provincial Minister said Zambia contributed to Mozambique’s liberation struggle because of the brotherly relations between the two countries.
“Mozambique’s struggle for freedom was Zambia’s struggle too, hence Zambia’s dedication in supporting Mozambique during the liberation struggle. Our late founding President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda stood shoulder to shoulder with FRELIMO and other liberation movements across Southern Africa to ensure that the region was liberated from the claws of colonialism,” she said.
Speaking at the same event, Mozambican High Commissioner to Zambia Monica Mussa said the visit of former president Filipe Nyusi in 2024 and President Hakainde Hichilema’s state visit to that country in 2023 is a sign of the strengthening relations between the two SADC countries.
Ms Mussa who spoke through an interpreter said the visits are proof that Mozambique and Zambia are forging long and broad paths in their bilateral cooperation relationship.
She said the results of the cooperation are particularly remarkable in the transport and communications sectors, where the Port of Beira continues to play a crucial role in the import and export of goods from Zambia, as a region, and to the world.
Ms. Mussa further cited the area of Defense and Security with focus on the regular holding of the Permanent Defence and Security Commissions between the two countries, with the last one having taken place from May 4 to 8, 2025.
She also acknowledged the role Zambia played in hosting the signing of the Lusaka Accord in 1974 which was an agreement for Portugal to formally recognize the right for Mozambique to have independence.
“As we celebrate this anniversary, we want once again to acknowledge the unconditional support we received from Zambia in our struggle for independence, which reached its peak with the signing of the Lusaka Accords on September 7th, 1974, a sign of the silencing of weapons and the consequent proclamation of independence,” Ms. Mussa said.
