Luanda: Mozambique's ambassador to Angola, Osvalda Joana, praised the historic ties of solidarity with Angola-forged during the national liberation struggles and strengthened over recent decades through political, economic, cultural, and social cooperation. The diplomat's statement was made on Sunday evening in Luanda at a political-cultural ceremony marking the 51st anniversary of her country's national independence-an event characterized by messages of friendship, cooperation, and the strengthening of relations. According to Angola Press News Agency, the Mozambican diplomatic representative emphasized the importance of deepening South-South cooperation, promoting regional integration, and strengthening economic diplomacy as fundamental pillars for driving inclusive and sustainable development. In this context, she highlighted the strategic potential of Angola's Lobito Corridor for enhancing regional integration by linking it with Mozambique's logistics corridors in Beira, Maputo, and Nacala. The ambassado r noted that creating synergies between these infrastructures would increase connectivity between the Atlantic and Indian Ocean coasts, facilitate intra-African trade, diversify transport routes, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen regional value chains. She added that economic diplomacy should serve as a platform to attract innovative investments, open new markets for African products, and consolidate the continent's role as a driver of global economic growth. On this occasion, Osvalda Joana also expressed the Mozambican people's gratitude for the support provided by Angola following the floods that affected central and southern Mozambique. "This fraternal gesture reaffirms the deep historic ties of brotherhood and cooperation uniting our peoples and demonstrates, once again, that values of solidarity prevail in times of greatest adversity," she stated. Angola and Mozambique share a relationship characterized by ongoing political dialogue, grounded in mutual trust and aligned positions on issues of regi onal, continental, and international interest. At the bilateral level, they have significantly strengthened cooperation in trade, investment, energy, mineral resources, transport and logistics, agriculture, and tourism, consolidating a strategic partnership geared toward economic development and regional integration. The celebratory event brought together representatives of the Angolan government, members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Angola, the Mozambican community, and guests from various institutions. On this occasion, Mozambique's Ambassador to Angola, Osvalda Joana, highlighted the historical significance of the date, noting that independence-proclaimed on June 25, 1975-marked the beginning of building a sovereign state committed to development, peace, and regional integration. The celebration also featured cultural performances by Mozambican saxophonist Otis Sax and Angolan musicians Filipe Mukenga and Afrikanita, as well as a presentation of the traditional Mozambican *Marrabenta* dance and a culinary showcase highlighting the country's cultural richness. Mozambique gained independence from Portugal on June 25, 1975, following a prolonged liberation struggle led by the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO). Since then, the country has consolidated its institutions and strengthened cooperation with states across the region and the African continent.
