Moscow, Russia – Mozambique President Daniel Francisco Chapo has described relations between Maputo and Moscow as excellent, calling for deeper economic cooperation and increased Russian investment as the two countries seek to expand a partnership dating back to Mozambique’s liberation struggle.
Speaking to RT during his visit to Moscow for the third Russia-Africa Summit, Chapo said the relationship between the two countries had developed over several decades, with Russia providing military and security assistance during Mozambique’s fight for independence.
He said cooperation in political, diplomatic and security matters remained an important part of bilateral relations.
“Mozambique and Russia already enjoy excellent political and diplomatic relations,” the president said.
Chapo’s visit to Russia was aimed at building on these longstanding political ties by expanding economic engagement, attracting investors and identifying new areas of cooperation.
Although bilateral trade between the two countries has increased, the Mozambican leader said there was considerable potential to grow commercial exchanges and establish stronger partnerships between businesses in both countries.
He identified agriculture, industrial development, mineral resources, energy, digital transformation, tourism, transport and logistics as priority sectors where Mozambique was looking to attract Russian investment.
The country is also interested in working with Russian companies on major infrastructure and industrial projects, including gas pipelines, electricity generation facilities and fertiliser production plants.
Chapo said the two countries had an opportunity to combine their respective capabilities to advance projects that could support Mozambique’s economic development.
He said the two sides could “work together to find solutions and develop these projects.”
Beyond economic cooperation, security remains a significant component of the relationship, particularly as Mozambique continues to confront an insurgency in its northern Cabo Delgado province.
Chapo confirmed that Mozambican military and law enforcement cadets were currently receiving training at Russian academies as part of ongoing cooperation between the two countries.
He also disclosed that discussions were underway on possible Russian assistance in addressing terrorism, pointing to Moscow’s experience in counterterrorism operations.
The insurgency in Cabo Delgado, which began in 2017 and involves militants linked to Islamic State, has killed thousands of people and displaced more than a million others.
The violence has severely affected communities and disrupted economic activities in the resource-rich northern province.
Mozambique deployed additional security resources to contain the insurgency, with Rwandan troops arriving in 2021 to support government forces.
The conflict also disrupted major investments in the country’s natural gas industry, including a multibillion-dollar liquefied natural gas project operated by French energy company TotalEnergies. Operations at the project resumed in January 2026 following a prolonged suspension caused by the deteriorating security situation.
The energy sector remains one of the most important areas where Mozambique hopes to attract international investment, particularly as it seeks to develop its substantial natural gas reserves and strengthen its position in global energy markets.
The Moscow summit has already produced agreements covering several areas of practical cooperation.
On October 28, Russia and Mozambique signed a memorandum of understanding on road construction, maintenance and toll-road management during the Russia-Africa Summit.
According to Russia’s Transport Ministry, the two countries also discussed the establishment of a direct maritime shipping route and opportunities for Russian companies to participate in railway development projects in Mozambique.
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