Maputo, Aug. 3, 2026 (Lusa) - The Mozambican president stated on Monday that his recent trips abroad are beginning to bear fruit, citing as an example the launch of construction work on the future National Surgical Centre, funded by China, and emphasising the importance of diplomatic efforts.
«I would like to take this opportunity to say that the trips the Head of State has been making – and people say he is travelling a great deal – the results are here,» said Daniel Chapo during the launch of construction work on the National Surgical Centre at Maputo Central Hospital, funded by China to the tune of $42 million (€36.4 million).
Chapo undertook a state visit to China from 16 to 22 April, at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. At the end of the visit, China reiterated its support for the development strategy presented by Chapo for 2025–2044 and for Mozambique's plan for 2025–2029, centred on poverty reduction, inclusive growth and structural development, and committed to continuing its support for Mozambique's industrialisation.
Today, Chapo said that this project symbolises the realisation of the agreements signed between the Mozambican Government and China within the framework of diplomacy and the state visits he has undertaken since taking office.
«We have already explained that no father can bring food home without leaving the house. He has to go out every day to work in order to put food on his family's table, and the Head of State is a father; he must care for his people, and this is the result of our efforts to improve the health of the Mozambican people,» he emphasised.
He added that Mozambique and China have been building a solid partnership based on mutual respect and the joint search for solutions to promote the development of their peoples, maintaining that the agreements between the two countries aim to improve lives.
«We are certain that this initiative will mark yet another milestone in the long-standing cooperation between our two countries and our two peoples, particularly in the field of public health,» he said.
In addition to his trip to China, Chapo, who was sworn in as Mozambique's fifth President on 15 January 2025, has already visited Portugal, the United States, Italy, Spain, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, Angola, Rwanda, Algeria, Ethiopia and South Africa, amongst other countries.
China's Ambassador to Mozambique, Zheng Xuan, highlighted the «deep friendship» between the two countries during the launch ceremony for the project, which will be undertaken by Chinese companies: «Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Mozambique have supported one another, based on mutual trust, becoming a model of South-South friendship and cooperation.» Over the years, China has supported Mozambique's health sector, through training and capacity-building programmes for healthcare professionals and the supply of medical equipment, with the diplomat promising further efforts from China to support Mozambique.
«This modern surgical centre, built with China's assistance, will contribute significantly to strengthening surgical capacity and medical care, giving fresh impetus to the improvement of public health and the development of the health sector,» said the diplomat.
The Mozambican Government plans for the president to undertake «six state visits» in 2026 and to sign five international agreements. In the area of International Cooperation, supporting documents for the Economic and Social Plan and the state budget for 2026 state that «state visits» are planned to Canada, Botswana, Angola, Russia and Vietnam, in addition to the visit to China, which has already taken place.
«With a view to strengthening and deepening relations of brotherhood, friendship, solidarity and cooperation between peoples and countries, as well as mobilising funding to support the national development agenda,» the document states.
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