This Monday in Maputo, the President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, received the Ambassador of the Republic of Angola, José João Manuel, who presented his farewell greetings on the occasion of the end of his diplomatic mission in Mozambique.

The hearing marked the end of a five-year cycle of Angolan representation, a period in which relations between the two countries have made significant progress.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, the ambassador expressed his satisfaction with the journey he had made and thanked the Mozambican authorities for their support. "I've been working here for around five years. I had the full support of the Mozambican government and institutions.

This has certainly made my work here much easier and has allowed us to work towards the continued strengthening of friendly relations and bilateral cooperation between Angola and Mozambique," he said.

According to José João Manuel, the period of his mandate was marked not only by the strengthening, but also by the expansion of bilateral relations.

"During these five years, Angola and Mozambique have not only been able to strengthen their relations, but they have also been able to broaden them," he said, adding that eight agreements had been signed in the meantime, three of which during President Daniel Chapo's recent visit to Angola.

The diplomat stressed that this dynamic reflects the political commitment between the two countries and pointed to the vitality of relations.

"You can see that relations between the two countries are excellent, and to some extent dynamic," he said.

However, the ambassador acknowledged that the economic sphere still represents a common challenge.

"We understand that Angola and Mozambique have the same challenges, the challenges of diversifying the economy. And right now we want to give economic cooperation and trade another boost."

José João Manuel hoped that the agreements reached during the visit of the Mozambican Head of State to Angola would result in a concrete boost at this level.

"This visit by President Chapo will certainly allow this to happen in a short space of time," he said.

In a personal and emotional assessment of his stay, the ambassador highlighted the welcome he received in Mozambique.

"At this moment of departure, of the end of my mission, I could not fail to thank the Mozambican government and the Mozambican people, who have been very kind and friendly to me. I felt at home".

The feeling of closeness, he said, is the result of the historical and cultural affinity that unites the two peoples.

"I've always felt at home in Mozambique, not so much because I was welcomed, but because of everything that Mozambique represents for Angola and Angola for Mozambique: there's a historical friendship, there's a very strong friendship that unites us, and Angola and Mozambique have almost the same habits and customs."

"So I felt perfectly at home and I leave here very satisfied. Thank you very much, Mozambican people," concluded the diplomat.