MAPUTO, June 12 -- Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Oldemiro Baloi said on Friday that diplomatic relations between Mozambique and China date back at the time when the ruling Frelimo party as a movement was fighting against the Portuguese colonialism in the 1960s.

Speaking at a ceremony to launch the celebrations of 40 years of the diplomatic relations with the world, Baloi said that "contacts between China and Frelimo started during the struggle for Mozambique's national independence".

"Immediately after independence, China established its embassy in Maputo," said Baloi in his short address.

Other nations which had diplomatic relations established include Tanzania and Zambia. The two countries were Frelimo rear base during the 10-year struggle against Lisbon.

At the ceremony, President Filipe Nyusi said that the country's diplomats should continue to promote the image of a stable and democratic nation, committed to real and effective peace.

Mozambique is simultaneously to celebrate 40 years of independence in two weeks time. The country achieved independence on June 25, 1975. The theme of the celebrations is "Mozambique in the concert of nations -- 40 years of friendship, solidarity and cooperation".

"The 40 years of diplomacy should also promote cooperation and partnerships which produce concrete results for the transformation of natural resources, and for the development of energy resources", said Nyusi.