Vice President Colonel (Retired) Kembo Mohadi has embarked on a key diplomatic visit to Mozambique, aimed at reinforcing the longstanding and friendly bilateral relationship between Harare and Maputo. The trip is part of a broader regional tour that also includes Angola, Zambia, and Tanzania, reflecting Zimbabwe’s commitment to deepening cooperation with its Southern African neighbours.
Arriving in Maputo on Sunday night, VP Mohadi’s first engagement was with Mozambican Prime Minister Her Excellency Maria Benvinda Levy. The meeting, held behind closed doors, focused on strengthening economic, political, and security collaboration between the two countries.
Speaking to journalists after the discussions, Vice President Mohadi highlighted the historical context of Zimbabwe-Mozambique relations. “We met and we discussed quite a number of issues; our bilateral relationship, which dates back to the time of our liberation struggle, how Mozambique assisted Zimbabwe through its quest for independence and after, and how we are cooperating,” he said.
He stressed that the talks also focused on economic development and shared prosperity. “We discussed what should be done to improve the lives of our people economically. We did emphasise that we got our political dispensation, we got our independence, we have our parliaments, we have our judiciary, and we also have our executives, but what we don’t have is economic independence. We therefore emphasise that the resources that we have should be beneficiated, so that when we export them or sell them to other countries, we get a better value for them,” Mohadi explained.
The Vice President underscored that economic collaboration remains a critical pillar in bilateral relations. He noted that the two countries have complementary resources and industries, and by enhancing trade and joint ventures, both nations can achieve greater economic resilience. The discussions also touched on ways to improve infrastructure, energy, and trade linkages, which are vital to boosting regional integration.
VP Mohadi Visits Mozambique to Strengthen Bilateral Ties and Regional Cooperation
Beyond economic issues, peace and security formed a major part of the dialogue. VP Mohadi highlighted the importance of stability as a prerequisite for sustainable development.
“We emphasise that the two countries should maintain peace and tranquillity, because without peace and tranquillity, there is no development. So development can only take place when there is peace and tranquillity,” he said.
Mohadi further noted that Zimbabwe and Mozambique have a long history of collaborating on security matters. “Zimbabwe and Mozambique have always partnered on the issues of peace and security. The situation in Cabo Delgado, we have always cooperated to maintain peace,” he said, referring to efforts to address insurgency and instability in the northern Mozambican province.
This security partnership underscores the importance of joint action in tackling transnational threats, including organised crime and terrorism, and demonstrates the role of regional solidarity in ensuring stability across Southern Africa.
VP Mohadi’s Mozambique visit is part of a four-nation tour, which has already taken him to Angola, Zambia, and Tanzania. Each stop on the tour has been designed to strengthen Zimbabwe’s diplomatic ties while celebrating the shared history of the region, particularly in the context of the liberation struggles that shaped Southern Africa.
According to sources, the tour also seeks to honour those who perished in the fight for independence. It represents both a diplomatic and symbolic journey, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and solidarity that continue to define Zimbabwe’s foreign relations.
The visits underscore Zimbabwe’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation, not only in political and security matters but also in trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. Observers say these engagements signal a strategic approach to consolidating Zimbabwe’s influence and partnerships in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Looking ahead, VP Mohadi indicated that the discussions with Mozambique could pave the way for joint projects aimed at boosting economic growth, regional trade, and security coordination. He emphasised that by working together, Zimbabwe and Mozambique can ensure mutual benefits for their citizens and strengthen regional resilience.
“The discussions were productive, and we are confident that the outcomes will lead to closer collaboration in all sectors,” he said.
As Zimbabwe continues to engage with its neighbours, Vice President Mohadi’s visit serves as a clear demonstration of the country’s commitment to regional solidarity, peace, and shared prosperity. By reinforcing bilateral relations with Mozambique and other countries on his tour, the Vice President is helping to secure Zimbabwe’s place as a proactive and collaborative partner in Southern Africa.
Source- ZBC
