Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus M.Ryzhenkov pays a working visit to Mozambique (Day 1)

On 16–18 July 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Maxim Ryzhenkov, paid a working visit to Maputo, Republic of Mozambique — marking the first-ever visit by a head of the Belarusian foreign ministry to the country in the history of bilateral relations.

The visit programme began with a wreath-laying ceremony at Mozambican Heroes' Square in memory of the country's struggle against colonialism. The Minister paid tribute to the national heroes of Mozambique, including the first President, Samora Machel, and the founder of the ruling FRELIMO party, Eduardo Mondlane.

The ceremony was also attended by the Special Envoy of the Government of Mozambique for negotiations with the delegation of the Republic of Belarus — Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries of the Republic of Mozambique, Roberto Mito Albino, and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Mozambicans Abroad at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Mozambique, Maria de Fátima Simão Manso.

On the first day of the visit, Maxim Ryzhenkov met with the Special Envoy of the Government of Mozambique for negotiations with the Belarusian side — Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries of Mozambique Roberto Mito Albino.

The parties noted the high level of political interaction between Belarus and Mozambique, as well as the significant potential for expanding trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

The sides outlined prospects for cooperation in the transport and logistics sector, including the delivery of Belarusian goods to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) market.

The ministers discussed in detail the implementation of projects in the mechanisation of Mozambique's agriculture and ensuring the country's food security, focusing primarily on supplies of Belarusian agricultural, mining, road-construction, and refuse-collection vehicles, alongside cooperation in medicine and education.

Furthermore, the sides agreed to hold the 4th meeting of the Joint Belarusian-Mozambican Commission for Cooperation in Maputo.

The parties discussed the development of the legal framework for cooperation, particularly the introduction of a visa-free regime for holders of diplomatic and service passports, as well as cooperation in agriculture, education, culture, and customs.

Beyond bilateral trade and economic cooperation, the ministers also touched upon strengthening and preserving sovereignty, and countering terrorism and organised crime.

During the meeting between Maxim Ryzhenkov and the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy of Mozambique, Estêvão Tomás Rafael Pale, the parties discussed opportunities to involve Belarusian specialists and technologies in mining projects in Mozambique, including the supply of mining equipment, dump trucks, and oil and natural gas processing projects.

The head of the Belarusian foreign ministry invited the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy of Mozambique, along with industry representatives, to visit Belarus to gain practical familiarity with capabilities, infrastructure, and technologies in industry, energy, and mineral resource extraction and processing. In particular, the upcoming 2nd International Industrial Exhibition ‘INNOPROM. Belarus’, to be held from 30 September to 2 October 2026 in Minsk, was highlighted as an optimal opportunity for a Mozambican delegation to attend at the invitation of the Ministry of Industry of Belarus.

The Mozambican side welcomed with great interest the proposal to organise the training of highly qualified specialists in specialised Belarusian institutions to meet the needs of Mozambique's mining and processing industries.

During talks between Maxim Ryzhenkov and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mozambique, Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas, the parties noted the alignment of the two countries' positions on key items of the international agenda and mutual support in international forums.

The sides discussed the schedules for upcoming high-level visits and inter-ministerial consultations.

The head of the Belarusian foreign ministry invited his counterpart to pay an official visit to Belarus.

As part of joint efforts to ensure Mozambique's food security during the visit of Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, a contract was signed for the construction of four agricultural mechanisation centres in the country.

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