Maputo, March 18, 2026 (Lusa) – Mozambique’s president will conduct a state visit to China from 17 to 22 April, following authorisation granted today by parliament, after Daniel Chapo expressed his desire to elevate bilateral cooperation to a new level.
According to parliamentary information, the authorisation was given during a meeting of the Standing Commission of parliament, as required by the constitution for state visits.
On 18 February, Mozambique's president conveyed to his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, the goal of strengthening cooperation between the two countries in 2026, while reaffirming support for the "One China" principle.
"The Republic of Mozambique reaffirms its firm determination to continue working side-by-side with the People's Republic of China in strengthening ties of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity, reiterating its support for the One China principle," read the message sent by Chapo on the occasion of the Chinese New Year.
Mozambique's head of state further emphasised the special significance of this year, highlighting the values guiding the bilateral relationship: "The year 2026, proclaimed as the Year of People-to-People Cooperation, takes on a special meaning by promoting values of friendship, solidarity, and mutual understanding, which Mozambique shares and cultivates within the framework of its Global Strategic Partnership with China."
The message also recalls the historical importance of the 50-year relationship between the two nations, which "today is projected through comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation," with Chapo identifying 2026 as a "strategic opportunity to elevate bilateral cooperation to a new level."
Mozambique paid more than €36 million to China in debt service over three months in 2025, leading among the country's bilateral creditors, according to Ministry of Finance data reported by Lusa in November.
According to a debt management report, debt service to China was the heaviest burden on Mozambican accounts over three months, from January to March, with US$35.51 million (€30.6 million) in repayments and US$6.77 million (€5.8 million) in interest. By the end of June, Mozambique's debt to China amounted to US$1.347 billion (€1.158 billion).
Previously, in October, the Chinese government forgave the interest on loans granted to Mozambique up to 2024 and made a donation of €12 million to the African country, as announced at the time by the Mozambican Prime Minister, Benvinda Levi.
"We received two pieces of positive news from President Xi Jinping; one was the donation to our country of 100 million Yuan – the Chinese currency – [equivalent to €12 million] and the forgiveness of interest on loans granted to Mozambique until the year 2024," said Levi, speaking to journalists after a two-day visit to China.
Mozambique's government anticipates six State visits by the president in 2026, including to Angola, China, and Russia, along with the signing of five international agreements.
In the field of international cooperation, supporting documents for the 2026 Economic and Social Plan and State Budget mention that "six State visits" are planned to Canada, Botswana, Angola, Russia, China, and Vietnam.
"Within the framework of strengthening and deepening the relations of fellowship, friendship, solidarity, and cooperation between peoples and countries, as well as the mobilisation of financing to enable the national development agenda," the document explains, regarding the State visits to be carried out by the Mozambican President, Daniel Chapo, in his second year in office.
It adds that the signing of five legal instruments and strategic partnerships is scheduled for 2026 "within the scope of international cooperation."
PVJ/RYOL // AYLS
Lusa
