News Agency of Nigeria
50th anniversary of China-Mozambique relations marked with photo exhibition

50th anniversary of China-Mozambique relations marked with photo exhibition

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.

 

By Nana Musa

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.

It was jointly organised 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 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 said.

 

Zheng emphasised 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.

She said 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 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.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

UK reaffirms strong defence ties with Nigeria

UK reaffirms strong defence ties with Nigeria

By Hamza Suleiman

UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker has reaffirmed the longstanding defence partnership between his country and Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and counter insurgency operation in the North-East.

Coaker, who is on a working visit to Nigeria, stated this at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

The minister accompanied by other senior officials of the UK government, highlited the importance of the bilateral relationship between the two countries to address security challenges.

“The presence of the Honour Guard was a moving experience, symbolising the respect and partnership between the Nigerian and British militaries.

“His Majesty’s Government recognises Nigeria as a key ally and a leader in West Africa. Together, we stand for democracy, human rights and the rule of law,” Coaker said.

 

UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker visits Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Theater Commander, Joint Task Force OPHK

The minister reiterated the UK government commitment to support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and shared impact of global security challenges.

“Your conflict is our conflict and your security is our security. The work you are doing to combat terrorism, particularly through initiatives like Operation Hadin Kai, is commendable.

“We are proud to provide training, expertise and equipment to support your efforts,” he said.

Coaker listed the UK’s contributions to counter-insurgency operations to include counter improvised explosive devices training, provision of equipment, and mentorship towards the establishment of the Counter-IED Coordination Cell in the North-East.

Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Theatre Commander, OPHK, commended the UK for its sustained support in combating insurgency in the region.

UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker visits headquarters of the Joint Task Force OPHK in Maiduguri

He described the visit as a testament to the longstanding cordial relationship between Nigeria and the UK.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Lord Vernon Coaker and his distinguished entourage to Maiduguri, the ‘Home of Peace,’ which also hosts the Headquarters of JTF (NE) OPHK.

“This visit validates the strong partnership between our nations.”

Shaibu said the mandate of the task force was to restore normalcy to the region, provide enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive, as well as resettlement of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.

He noted that the fulfilment of the task force mandate required not only material resources but also regular training and retraining of troops to keep them updated on evolving security challenges.

Technical session during the UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker visit to the Joint Task Force OPHK in Maiduguri

The commander lauded the establishment of the Counter-IED Coordination Cell, supported by the UK, which became a hub for intelligence gathering and dismantling insurgent IED networks.

“This hub, equipped with detection tools, laptops, tactical intelligence kits, and other resources, has been vital in detecting, neutralising, and disarming IEDs effectively,” he said.

Shaibu also commended the Instructor Development Programme being implemented in collaboration with BDS-WA, to fast track training of personnel from Nigeria and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker visits Joint Task Force OPHK in Maiduguri

“The programme fosters synergy and camaraderie among troops from the Lake Chad Basin countries, strengthening regional cooperation,” he said, adding that the UK government’s timely and relevant support were imperative towards achieving the task force mandate. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

HMS/ISHO/ RSA

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Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Rabiu Sani-Ali

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