Photo exhibition held in Maputo to mark 50th anniversary of China-Mozambique diplomatic ties

A photo exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Mozambique opened Friday at the Mozambique-China Cultural Center in the Mozambican capital of Maputo.

Jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Mozambique, the Mozambican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and Xinhua News Agency Africa Regional Bureau, the event brought together about 200 participants, including Mozambican Secretary of State for Tourism Fredson Bacar, Chinese Ambassador to Mozambique Zheng Xuan, representatives from various Mozambican sectors, Chinese enterprises operating in Mozambique, and members of the Chinese community.

Nearly 150 photos on display are divided into three sections, highlighting major historical moments and cooperation outcomes since the establishment of diplomatic ties five decades ago.

The section “Traces of 50 Years of China-Mozambique Friendship” highlights China’s support for Mozambique’s independence struggle and the growth of political, economic, and cultural exchanges. “Pioneers of People-to-People Exchanges — Chinese Enterprises in Mozambique” showcases Chinese companies’ contributions to local development and livelihoods. “Lens of Xinhua, Images of the Century” presents classic works by Xinhua, chronicling China’s remarkable development since the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

At the opening ceremony, Bacar expressed gratitude for China’s tremendous contribution to Mozambique’s social and economic development over the past 50 years. He noted that the exhibition vividly illustrates the growth of bilateral ties, a history of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation marked by fruitful results and mutual benefit.

He noted that in recent years, cooperation between Mozambique and China has achieved remarkable outcomes in such areas as finance, infrastructure, energy, transport, telecommunications, science and technology, agriculture, health, education, culture, and tourism.

Mechanisms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Forum Macao), and the Belt and Road Initiative have opened a broader space for collaboration, providing platforms to turn Mozambique’s abundant natural resources and agricultural potential into drivers of sustainable development, Bacar added.

Zheng emphasized that traditional friendship between China and Mozambique, which dates back to their joint struggles against imperialism and colonialism, has been continuously strengthened since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

“The two countries have firmly supported each other, deepening practical cooperation and consolidating friendship while jointly pursuing national development and revitalization,” she said, adding that the exhibition showcases both the history of bilateral relations and tangible achievements in such fields as infrastructure, health, education, and culture.

Samo Gudo, editor-in-chief of the Mozambican News Agency, said he was deeply impressed by the exhibition, which highlights the tremendous changes Mozambique has undergone since independence in 1975 with China’s support.

“We firmly believe that with mutual support, Mozambique and China will go further together,” Gudo added.