Mozambican President Daniel Chapo paid a two-day official visit to Rwanda this week, marking his first trip to the country since taking office in October 2024. He was hosted by Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali, where the two leaders reaffirmed the strong and growing partnership between their nations. The visit served as a significant milestone in the diplomatic relationship between Rwanda and Mozambique, focusing on deepening cooperation in peace, security, and economic development.
During the visit, the two countries signed several bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening collaboration. Among them was a Status of Forces Agreement, which formalizes Rwanda’s ongoing military support in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province, where Rwandan troops have been assisting in counter-terrorism operations against insurgent groups. President Chapo expressed deep appreciation for Rwanda’s vital role in stabilizing the region and emphasized Mozambique’s commitment to continued collaboration in securing peace and rebuilding affected areas.
Another major agreement signed was a Memorandum of Understanding between the Rwanda Development Board and Mozambique’s Investment and Export Promotion Agency. This deal aims to boost trade and investment between the two nations, encouraging private sector engagement and cross-border business ventures. President Chapo highlighted the importance of economic ties in driving sustainable development and extended an invitation to Rwandan investors to explore opportunities in Mozambique.
President Kagame, for his part, reiterated the need for African-led solutions to African problems, especially in the realm of security. He noted that violent extremism remains a shared challenge across the continent and underscored the importance of regional cooperation rather than relying on external actors to address internal threats. Kagame praised the resilience of Mozambique and pledged Rwanda’s continued support in promoting peace and economic progress in the region.
The visit concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen ties across multiple sectors, including defense, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. Both leaders hailed the visit as a testament to the enduring friendship between Rwanda and Mozambique, rooted in shared values of sovereignty, solidarity, and regional integration.