June 25 is a significant day marking the 49 th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the DPRK and Mozambique.

On this day, we recollect once again the immortal exploits of President Kim Il Sung who offered full support to the Mozambiquean government and people in their struggle for anti-colonial national liberation and building a new society.

President Kim Il Sung , the outstanding statesman of world politics, paid deep attention to the struggle of the Mozambiquean people for national liberation against colonial subjugation. In September 1971 and March 1975, he cordially received the delegation of the Mozambique Liberation Front Party headed by Samora Moises Machel on a visit to our country and had an open-hearted discussion about strategic and tactical issues arising in their struggle for anti-colonial national liberation.

Immediately after Mozambique founded an independent sovereign state free from colonial subjugation in June 1975, he saw to it that the DPRK established ambassador-level diplomatic relations with Mozambique, and rendered material and moral assistance to the Mozambiquean people in their efforts to build a new society.

Samora Moises Machel, who had been elected as the first President of the Republic of Mozambique, paid another visit to our country in May 1978 to receive valuable teachings from President Kim Il Sung when the building of a new society encountered hardships and difficulties due to the fierce obstruction caused by the imperialists and hostile forces.

Thereafter, President Kim Il Sung sent thousands of tons of grain to Mozambique when the country was suffering from food shortage and also saw to it that competent Korean agricultural technicians were sent to Mozambique to provide assistance for increasing agricultural production.

President Machel who was deeply moved by the lofty traits and noble internationalist obligation shown by President Kim Il Sung named the street in the central area of the capital city Maputo “ Kim Il Sung  Avenue” in order to convey forever his exploits.

For nearly half a century since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Korea and Mozambique have developed the friendly and cooperative relations in various fields, including politics, the economy and culture.

Under the banner of independence against imperialism, we will further expand and develop the friendly and cooperative relations with Mozambique across all fields in the common interests of the people of the two countries.

Member of Korea-Africa Association

Paek Il Hyok