Under the theme “Consolidating National Unity, Peace and Sustainable Development”, we celebrate today, June 25, 2025, the fiftieth anniversary of Mozambique’s National Independence. This historic milestone dates back to June 25, 1975 — the beginning of a journey marked by numerous challenges, but also by meaningful achievements that have shaped our collective identity. Over these five decades, our Mozambican identity has stood as a symbol of a hardworking, resilient, and victorious people — values clearly reflected in the dedication and exemplary contributions of the Mozambican community residing in the United States of America and Canada.
Important challenges still lie ahead, such as the fight against terrorism affecting some districts in Cabo Delgado province, and the ongoing struggle against poverty that continues to affect parts of our population. These are causes that demand the commitment of us all, as every citizen must feel co-responsible and an active part of the solutions that will lead to progress and the building of a more just, secure, and prosperous Mozambique.
In his address delivered today, on this momentous occasion, His Excellency Daniel Francisco Chapo, President of the Republic, stated: “Our vision for the coming years is focused on laying the foundations for economic independence,” an objective that is intrinsically linked to overcoming our current challenges. A politically stable and economically robust country ensures a better quality of life for its citizens and, on the international stage, earns the recognition, admiration, and respect of other nations — elements that are also meaningfully reflected in its diaspora.
As an independent nation, Mozambique has established diplomatic and friendly relations with numerous countries and peoples around the world. Among these partners are the United States of America and Canada — nations with which we established diplomatic ties in September 1975. This means that we will soon also have the honor of celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of these important bilateral relations.
Let us embrace this vast and meaningful window of celebrations — marked by our independence and our enduring bilateral relations with the United States and Canada — as an opportunity to proudly and confidently celebrate our Mozambican identity. Let us do so not only among ourselves, but also with our partners and friends in the United States and Canada, reaffirming the bonds of fraternity, cooperation, and mutual respect that unite our peoples.
Congratulations, dear compatriots, on the 50th anniversary of our National Independence!
We are deeply proud of you for the exemplary way in which you have represented our Homeland — Mozambique, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean — in the communities where you reside. This is yet another way of reaffirming that the Mozambican Nation is built by all of us — both within and beyond our national borders.
For Mozambique, the Struggle Continues!
Washington, D.C., June 25, 2025