Mozambique president hails ‘excellent relations’ with Russia
Mozambique and Russia have maintained close political and diplomatic ties for decades, President Daniel Francisco Chapo has said, highlighting the longstanding partnership between the two nations.
Speaking to RT during his visit to Moscow for the third Russia-Africa Summit, Chapo noted the relationship dates back to Mozambique’s struggle for independence, when Moscow provided military and security assistance. He stressed that cooperation in these areas continues today.
“Mozambique and Russia already enjoy excellent political and diplomatic relations,” the president said.
Chapo said his visit to Russia was intended to strengthen economic cooperation and attract new investment, building on the countries’ established political ties. He noted that bilateral trade has increased but that considerable room remains for further growth.
The president identified agriculture, industry, mineral resources, energy, digital transformation, tourism, transport, and logistics among the sectors where Mozambique hopes to attract Russian companies.
Mozambique is also seeking Russian partners to develop gas pipelines, power plants, and fertilizer production facilities, Chapo said, adding that the countries could “work together to find solutions and develop these projects.”
Security cooperation also featured prominently in the interview. Chapo said Mozambican military and law enforcement cadets are currently receiving training at Russian academies. The president also confirmed that Mozambique is discussing possible cooperation with Russia to address terrorism in the African state. He pointed to Moscow’s counterterrorism experience and said the two sides are exploring potential solutions through their existing security partnership.
Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province has faced an insurgency by Islamic State-linked militants since 2017. The violence has killed thousands and displaced more than a million people, prompting the deployment of Rwandan troops in 2021 to support government forces. The conflict also forced the suspension of a major liquefied natural gas project led by TotalEnergies, which resumed operations in January 2026.
Russia and Mozambique signed a memorandum on road construction, maintenance, and toll-road management during the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on October 28. The two countries also discussed establishing a direct shipping route and involving Russian companies in railway projects, according to Russia’s Transport Ministry.
