“Portugal currently enjoys political stability and its government is driven by a genuine reformist spirit. Thus, the conditions are right to give a new impetus to Luso-Mozambican relations,” stated Pedro Duarte at the welcome ceremony for Daniel Chapo at Porto City Hall, where the VI Portugal-Mozambique Summit is taking place.
With Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in attendance, Pedro Duarte noted that Portugal should consolidate its strategic partnership with Mozambique and serve as the country’s gateway to Europe.
“This is undoubtedly a ‘win-win’ relationship, meaning both parties stand to gain significantly,” he said.
Pedro Duarte emphasized that for Portugal, Mozambique is a growing market, a reserve of raw materials, and a young, dynamic society. After the ceremony, which lacked military honors due to bad weather, the Portuguese Prime Minister and Daniel Chapo met privately.
For Mozambique, Duarte added, Portugal can represent support and investment to improve structural deficiencies, stimulate economic growth, and promote the country’s stability, security, and cohesion.
Stating that Lusophony is not, and cannot be, a dormant concept, the mayor, who was elected in the last municipal elections in October, insisted on the opportune moment to strengthen cooperation between Portugal and Mozambique, indicating the potential to go further.
“Lusophony cannot be summed up in empty political proclamations and platforms without concrete results in the lives of the peoples united by the Portuguese language. Together, we must know how to materialize the full potential arising from the historical, cultural, and linguistic ties that unite Lusophone countries,” he pointed out.
On his side, the President of the Republic of Mozambique expressed it as an honor to receive the Keys to the City of Porto because it is a “historical city, with great traditions of courage, resilience, and hard work benefiting its people and the entire country.”
Daniel Chapo also announced the possibility of, in the near future, advancing with a twinning partnership between Porto and a Mozambican city, thereby boosting the economic and social development of both countries.
“The Government of the Republic of Mozambique has as essential priorities the consolidation of peace and stability as well as the economic and social development of the country, and to achieve these important objectives, we count on the contribution of everyone,” he emphasized.
Strengthening relations between Portugal and Mozambique will allow for expanded partnerships, increased movement and interaction among citizens, and tackling increasingly complex contemporary world challenges, said Daniel Chapo.
At this VI bilateral summit, around two dozen legal instruments will be signed, followed by an economic seminar with about 500 participants.
In an interview, the Mozambican President mentioned that the over 20 agreements to be signed demonstrate the “excellent” level of bilateral relations, yet he wishes for tangible impacts to be felt by the people, calling for Portuguese investment in the infrastructure sector.
