Source: Chinese embassy inMozambique

2010-07-07

On July 5, 2010, the departing Chinese Ambassador to Mozambique Tian Guangfeng was interviewed by XinhuaNews Agency'scorrespondent Liu Dalong fromits Maputo Bureau. During this scheduled interview, Tian Guangfeng answered questions on China-Mozambique relations and other topics.

Regarding China-Mozambique relations, Tian Guangfeng indicated that this year is the 35thanniversary of the establishment of China-Mozambique diplomatic relations. In the past 35 years, China and Mozambique have always treated each other with mutual respect, mutual trust and equality. Both sides have always givenresolute support to each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns. Thus the traditional friendship between the two countries has continued to strengthen and deepen.

In 2007, Chinese President Hu Jintao hada successful visit to Mozambiqueandraisedthe China-Mozambique relations to a new level. Both sides signed the Joint Communiqué Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Mozambique, promising to support each other on issues concerning national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China applauded the government of Mozambique on its accomplishments in upholding stability and national unity, reviving economic growth, and realizing sustainable development for Mozambique. China praised the government of Mozambique forits support toChina's great cause of peaceful reunification, its participation in African and international affairs and contributions to regional peace, stability and development.

According to Tian Guangfeng, for a long time, China has been providing Mozambique with economic and technical assistance without any political strings attached. In the future and within its capacity, China will continue to help Mozambique to improve the livelihood for its people, and strengthen itscapacity for self-development. Currently, the agreements of cooperation signed by the two sides cover agriculture, education, sports, preferential loans, interest-free loans, debt cancellations and tariff exemptions.

Speaking of the implementation of the outcomes from Beijing Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and President Hu Jintao's visit to Mozambique, Tian Guangfeng stated the agricultural technology demonstration centers built by China are moving forward smoothly; the renovation and expansion of the Mozambique National Stadium, Maputo International Airport, the Public Prosecutor's Office building, Justice Ministry and Anti-Corruption Bureau building, and 150-unit economic housing will all be completed and handed over to Mozambique for service this year; The tariff exemption list granted by China has been expanded to cover 60% of Mozambique's exports to China; There is new progress in educational cooperation, with 3 more schools built by China handed over to Mozambique, government scholarships for Mozambique have increased in recent years, and more than 100 technical and economic management personnel are trained for Mozambique each year; Tourismcooperation has seensubstantial progress, with China granting Mozambique the approved destination status and completing all the procedures; Public health cooperation has seensteady progress, with China continually sending medical teams to Mozambique since 1976, winning praise from the local people; Malaria prevention and treatment demonstration centers have been handed over to Mozambique for service, along with donations of anti-malaria drugs; China will also build elementary schools and small hydro-power plants, deliver solar energy,biogas and well digging projects, and continue to provide anti-malaria materials and equipment for the anti-malaria centers.

Tian Guangfeng noted that bilateral trade has enjoyed rapid growth. Last year,despite the impact of the global financial crisis, the total trade volume still grew 22.5%, having exceeded the500-million-U.S.-dollarmark. China encourages well-established and reputable Chinese enterprises to invest in Mozambique and expand cooperation in agriculture, energy, and mineral resources development.

Finally, Tian Guangfeng stated China and Mozambique are both developing countries. Even though they have different development levels, they have their own characteristics. As long as both countries fully utilize their own advantages, coordinate closely with each other, actively expand trade and investment cooperation, and realize mutual benefit and win-wincooperation, they will surely bring their friendly partnership up to a whole new level.