Mozambican President highlights "sovereign moment" in relations with Portugal and announces a €500 million credit line

Daniel Chapo and Luís Montenegro presided over the signing of more than 20 agreements at the 6th Binational Summit in Porto. A new cooperation program for 2027-2031 is beginning to be prepared

At the end of the VI Binational Summit, which took place in Porto, the President of Mozambique, Daniel Chapo, stated that bilateral relations with Portugal are experiencing a "sovereign" and "excellent" moment. The statements were made during a joint press conference with the Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, at the conclusion of a working visit marked by concrete progress.

Strategic cooperation on the rise.

Chapo began by thanking them for the invitation and emphasized the importance of the "cordial and fraternal" dialogue maintained. According to the Mozambican Head of State, despite three years without a high-level summit, cooperation "continued to flourish." As proof of this, he mentioned that approximately 80% of the Strategic Cooperation Program (PEC) 2022-2026 is already implemented. Consequently, the two governments decided to begin preparing the next PEC, which will be in effect from 2027 to 2031.

More than 20 agreements signed

The highlight of the work, however, was the signing of more than two dozen legal instruments. "It's not common to sign more than two dozen agreements... in a single visit!", Chapo emphasized, describing the moment as an "undeniable revelation" of a shared vision between the two governments. The areas covered include the economy, industry, energy, health, culture, tourism, and digital transformation.

Announcement of a €500 million credit line.

One of the most significant announcements was the establishment of a credit line of approximately 500 million euros by the Portuguese government. According to the Mozambican President, this mechanism aims to "leverage investment from the Portuguese business sector in Mozambique." Chapo expressed being "positively impressed" with the participation of the private sector from both countries, evident at the Business Forum that followed, considering it an "unequivocal sign of confidence."

Support in the fight against terrorism and training.

In another area, Chapo explicitly thanked Portugal for its support in combating terrorism in Cabo Delgado, within the context of the European Union Mission, highlighting that Portuguese officers have been in command. He also emphasized the "remarkable progress" in defense and security cooperation, particularly through scholarships and training for Mozambican officers.

 Historical cooperation and invitation

Defending the historical and unbreakable nature of the bond between the two peoples, the President stated that the responsibility of the government is to "consolidate and expand it." Finally, Chapo reiterated an official invitation for Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to visit Mozambique to see firsthand the results of cooperation and investment.

The visit concluded with expressions of gratitude for the "warm reception" in the city of Porto, closing a chapter that both leaders consider crucial for the future of Portuguese-Mozambican relations.