The Chinese Defence Minister, Chang Wanquan, met last week in Beijing with his Mozambican counterpart, Atanásio Mtumuke, to further the development of defence ties between the two nations, Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua reported.

“In recent years, the military-to-military relations between the two countries have maintained constant and stable development,” Mr Chang was quoted saying.

“China is willing to work with Mozambique to maintain exchange of personnel visits at various levels, deepen co-operation in military education and training, as well as exploring the co-operation potential between the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and the Armed Forces for the Defence of Mozambique,” he added.

Mr Mtumuke was quoted saying his side would work with China in expanding high-level exchange and strengthening pragmatic co-operation in related fields.