Ambassador Tran Thi Thu Thin: Vietnam and Mozambique - Two soul mates with the same aspirations to rise up

According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Mozambique Tran Thi Thu Thin, despite being thousands of kilometers apart, Vietnam and Mozambique are still as close as close friends, because the two countries share the same aspiration to live in freedom, peace, and constantly strive to build the future.

Mozambique President Daniel Francisco Chapo received Ambassador Tran Thi Thu Thin at the Presidential Palace in the capital Maputo, March 19.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Mozambique diplomatic relations (June 25, 1975 - June 25, 2025), Vietnamese Ambassador to Mozambique Tran Thi Thu Thin shared with The Gioi and Viet Nam Newspaper about the highlights of bilateral relations over the past half century as well as the priorities and goals during her term in this African country.

On June 25, 1975, the President of the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) declared the establishment of the People's Republic of Mozambique (now the Republic of Mozambique). This was also the day Vietnam declared to the world its recognition of the Republic of Mozambique and the two countries officially established diplomatic relations. What are the highlights of the relationship between the two nations, though geographically distant but sharing the same spirit of love for freedom and peace over the past half century, Ambassador?

Vietnamese Ambassador to Mozambique Tran Thi Thu Thin. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Mozambique)

June 25, 1975 is a meaningful day not only for the people of Mozambique but also for the people of Vietnam - people from the other side of the hemisphere who followed the heroic struggle of their African friends with all their support and sincere affection. It was not only the day the two countries established diplomatic relations, but also laid the foundation for a special friendship built on deep sharing between two peoples who suffered many losses during the war, but never succumbed to violence and injustice.

Half a century has passed, but the flow of Vietnam-Mozambique relations has never stopped. On the foundation of solidarity and the noble ideals of national independence, peace and development, the two countries have gradually cultivated bilateral relations through practical and sincere actions.

Mozambique has always been a close friend and a priority partner of Vietnam in Africa. The two countries have made steady progress in cooperation in many fields: from politics, trade - investment, defense - security, justice, education, health, agriculture, telecommunications, mining... to cooperation at regional and international forums.

In particular, I am particularly impressed with the results of cooperation in the field of investment, typically the presence of Viettel Group with the Movitel brand in Mozambique. This is not only a highlight in the bilateral cooperation relationship but also a symbol of effective South-South cooperation, bringing practical benefits to local people and actively contributing to the development of telecommunications infrastructure, towards serving digital transformation in Mozambique. The Movitel joint venture is a beautiful mark in the sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership between Vietnam and Mozambique.

In addition, cooperation programs in agriculture, education, and health are seeds of goodwill that the two countries have sown for half a century. Images of Vietnamese agricultural experts working with Mozambican farmers in the fields early in the morning, or Vietnamese doctors examining and treating local people are simple but touching images, demonstrating the humane and companionate nature of the Vietnam-Mozambique relationship.

Although thousands of kilometers apart, Vietnam and Mozambique are still as close as bosom friends, because we share the same aspiration to live in freedom, peace, and constantly strive to build a future for future generations.

Could the Ambassador choose three words to describe the Vietnam-Mozambique relationship and explain this choice?

We are at a very special time, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Looking back over the past half century, I can affirm that the Vietnam-Mozambique relationship is a success story of solidarity, friendship and strong cooperation.

Solidarity is the core value that has united the Vietnamese and Mozambican peoples since the early days of hardship. When Mozambique fought for independence, the Vietnamese people, just emerging from the war, always followed and supported with all the understanding of experienced people.

This spirit of solidarity transcends all geographical distances, language and cultural differences. Vietnam has sent agricultural experts, doctors, teachers, etc. to Mozambique to support development; and Mozambique has always expressed its support for Vietnam at international forums, especially during times when Vietnam was facing economic and political difficulties.

The friendship between the two sides is expressed through mutual respect, always approaching each other with a sincere and open attitude, helping to maintain strong trust through many turbulent periods of the world. In particular, many generations of Mozambicans have special respect and affection for President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap.

In 1977, right after gaining independence, the first President of Mozambique, Samora Moisés Machel, decided to name a large avenue in the heart of the capital, Maputo, after Uncle Ho. The Mozambican people welcomed the Vietnamese not as investors, but as friends. The Vietnamese people always considered Mozambique a brother in the big family of developing countries.

On the basis of solidarity and friendship, cooperation is the pillar that brings the Vietnam-Mozambique relationship to greater depth and brings practical benefits to both sides. Over the past half century, the two countries have made steady progress in cooperation in many fields: from politics, trade - investment, defense - security, justice, education, health, agriculture, telecommunications, mining ... with many outstanding highlights.

Solidarity, friendship and cooperation are not only three "keywords" that summarize the Vietnam-Mozambique relationship, but also three core values ​​that have, are and will continue to guide the path of development in the future.

Friendship football tournament to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South, National Reunification and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Mozambique. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Mozambique)

What activities and events has the Vietnamese Embassy in Mozambique been implementing in this special year for bilateral relations?

The 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations is not only an opportunity for us to review the glorious and close past, but also to continue writing new chapters for the Vietnam-Mozambique friendship in a deeper and more effective direction.

In the spirit of respecting the past, cherishing the present and looking towards the future, the two sides have closely coordinated to organize a series of commemorative activities throughout the year, aiming to deepen bilateral relations in many fields.

This is a favorable opportunity to increase the exchange of delegations at all levels, thereby consolidating political trust and creating new momentum for economic, cultural and people-to-people cooperation. Recently, Mozambique has sent two delegations to Vietnam to attend the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification in Ho Chi Minh City, including the Government delegation led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and the Mozambican community abroad, and the high-level delegation of the FRELIMO party led by Secretary General Chakil Aboobacar.

In the opposite direction, Vietnam also sent a delegation led by Party Central Committee member and Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission Pham Tat Thang to attend the 50th Anniversary of Mozambique's Independence Day in the capital Maputo.

One of the highlights of the series of activities was the Friendship Football Tournament organized by the Vietnamese Embassy in Mozambique, bringing together four teams representing the FRELIMO Party, the Mozambique Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the international diplomatic corps and the Vietnamese community in the host country. This is not just a simple sporting event, but a meaningful occasion to strengthen connections between communities, spreading the spirit of solidarity and sincere friendship between friendly countries.

In addition, we are also collaborating with Joaquim Chissano University, the leading training institution for international relations in Mozambique, to organize the photo exhibition “Vietnam-Mozambique: 50 years of solidarity and development”. Through historical photos, the exhibition will recount the journey of solidarity between the two nations, from the first steps in political cooperation to achievements in the fields of agriculture, telecommunications, health, and education.

In the coming time, the Embassy will continue to coordinate with the host country to organize bilateral political consultations and a series of seminars to promote investment in Vietnam, connecting Mozambican enterprises with business opportunities in Vietnam - a dynamically developing economy in the region. A solemn celebration will also be held in Maputo with the presence of many local and international friends and the community.

I believe that the close and sincere coordination between the two countries in these commemorative activities is a clear demonstration of the determination to elevate the Vietnam-Mozambique relationship in the new era: more effective, deeper, and closer than ever.

Ambassador Tran Thi Thu Thin worked with Mozambique's Secretary of State for Trade António Grispos to inform about the situation and potential for economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Mozambique at the Vietnamese Embassy in Mozambique on May 29. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Mozambique)

According to the Ambassador, what should the next generations of the two countries do to continue to "keep the fire" of patriotism and contribute to the socio-economic development of each country in the new period of green transformation and digital transformation?

I believe that keeping the tradition alive does not mean just looking back to the past, but continuing that spirit with concrete actions in the present and future. With the global context entering a period of green and digital transformation, the young generation of Vietnam and Mozambique is the vanguard force to bring patriotism and love of peace into sustainable and creative development.

First and foremost, young people need to continue to nurture the ideal of dedication - not only to their country, but also to the common human values ​​of humanity. Learn, connect and act with the mindset of global citizens with national identity.

Second, future generations need to actively access new technology, knowledge and innovative startups, especially in areas such as renewable energy, smart agriculture, digital technology, and public health – key directions for sustainable development.

Finally , cherishing the history of bilateral relations and renewing the Vietnam-Mozambique relationship is also part of the responsibility of the younger generations of the two countries. Student exchange programs, research cooperation, joint startups or transnational community initiatives are new bridges that need to be built and explored to connect the two peoples not only through sentiment, but also through concrete actions.

I always believe that the friendship between the two peoples will be fueled and lit by young people who know how to love, dream and dare to act for a better common future.

Upon taking up his assignment in Mozambique, what special impressions did the Ambassador have of the country and its people? During his tenure, what priorities and goals did the Ambassador set for further promoting the bilateral relationship?

Mozambique left me with a special impression of a country rich in identity, rich in development potential and a strong desire to rise. Carrying within it an interesting blend of African, European and Indian Ocean cultures - reflected in architecture, cuisine, music and even daily life, each region here has its own nuances, creating a diverse and colorful cultural picture.

I clearly feel that Mozambique is on the threshold of transformation. With its pristine beauty, long coastline, rich natural resources, strategic geographical location, and the determination of the Government and its people, this beautiful country on the shores of the Indian Ocean has many favorable conditions to make a breakthrough in the near future, not only in traditional sectors such as agriculture and mining, but also in new sectors such as renewable energy, information technology and ecotourism.

What makes me especially confident in Mozambique’s future is the young generation. They are dynamic, open-minded and have a great desire to learn. I have met many Mozambican students who are passionate about research, love to learn about Vietnam and the world, and have a progressive spirit and responsibility towards the community. Many young people are willing to embark on startups, social projects or return home after studying abroad in other countries, including Vietnam, to contribute to the community. This is a generation that carries within them not only personal aspirations, but also the will to build the country.

During my term, my priority is to further deepen bilateral relations in the coming period on the basis of continuing to promote the good results achieved in the past time, while seeking and implementing many new cooperation opportunities for the benefit of the people of the two countries and for peace, cooperation and development of the two regions and the world.

Regarding political cooperation and cooperation through party and parliamentary channels, I believe that it is necessary to continue promoting exchanges of delegations at high and all levels to enhance understanding, consolidate political trust and provide strategic orientation for bilateral cooperation, and promote the signing of memorandums of understanding and joint statements to create a legal basis for implementing cooperation in specific potential areas.

Regarding trade and investment cooperation, I will continue to closely coordinate with the authorities of Vietnam and Mozambique to create conditions for businesses of both sides to connect, explore the market, seek investment and business opportunities in potential and strong fields that can complement and support each other, especially in agriculture, aquaculture, telecommunications, digital transformation, energy and minerals.

In other fields such as defense - security, education, health, and agriculture, the two sides will continue to effectively and substantially implement the signed cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding.

I firmly believe that, on the basis of the advantages, potentials, needs and existing foundations of bilateral relations, with the determination and joint efforts of the two parties, two countries and two peoples, the political, economic-trade, investment and people-to-people cooperation between the two countries will continue to achieve many new achievements in the coming period.

Thank you very much Ambassador!

"Solidarity, friendship and cooperation are not only three 'keywords' summarizing the Vietnam-Mozambique relationship over the past 50 years, but also three core values ​​that have, are and will continue to guide the path of development in the future." (Ambassador Tran Thi Thu Thin)

President of the National Assembly of Mozambique Margarida Talapa and Ambassador Tran Thi Thu Thin with delegates, at the headquarters of the National Assembly of the Republic of Mozambique, May 6.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dai-su-tran-thi-thu-thin-viet-nam-va-mozambique-hai-nguoi-ban-tri-ky-dong-dieu-trong-khat-vong-vuon-len-318838.html