Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
MOZAMBIQUE is celebrating its golden jubilee this Wednesday, with heads of state and government across the globe expected to attend, among them President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe will participate at the celebrations while also advancing existing diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The country’s top envoy to Mozambique, Ambassador Victor Matemadanda said the visit by the head of state cements the existing bond between the two nations.
“Zimbabwe is participating, obviously, as a cornerstone friend. What Zimbabwe is and will be can never be explained without mentioning Mozambique. We also stood with Mozambique during its own difficult times, and the coming of President Mnangagwa to celebrate this milestone is an assurance to the people of Mozambique that the bond remains strong. This friendship will be further strengthened through his presence at the 50th anniversary of Mozambique’s independence,” Ambassador Matemadanda said.
On the economic front, Ambassador Matemadanda noted the need to maximise on the existing political relations to grow trade ties.
“There are a lot of programmes that are being done by ZimTrade and other business organisations in Zimbabwe, which we think are going to add value to the development initiatives and capacities of Zimbabwe and trade in Mozambique,” he said.
The late Mozambican President, Samora Machel, declared the country’s independence on June 25 in 1975 at Machava Stadium on the outskirts of the capital Maputo.
This year’s celebrations are being held under the theme: “50 years of independence: Consolidating national unity, peace and sustainable development”.
