Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Editor
ZIMBABWE and China have reaffirmed their longstanding strategic partnership as the Chinese Embassy in Harare commemorated the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The event brought together senior government officials, service chiefs, diplomats and members of the defence fraternity, underscoring the expanding military cooperation between the two countries under the Zimbabwe-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Over the years, Harare and Beijing have broadened defence cooperation through military training, capacity building, exchange programmes, equipment support and strategic dialogue, complementing wider bilateral relations under the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement policy.
Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Emmanuel Matatu said the relationship between the two militaries continues to strengthen.
“The relationship between the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the People’s Liberation Army continues to grow from strength to strength. Our cooperation in training, professional military education, defence exchanges and strategic dialogue has enhanced the capabilities of our forces while contributing to peace, security and stability. We congratulate the People’s Liberation Army on this important milestone and look forward to strengthening our longstanding friendship.”
Chinese Embassy Defence Attaché, Senior Colonel Wang Zhenyu described defence cooperation as a key pillar of the relationship between the two countries.
“The People’s Liberation Army highly values its friendship with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. Our defence cooperation is founded on mutual respect, equality and shared interests. As we celebrate the PLA’s 99th anniversary, China remains committed to expanding exchanges, strengthening practical cooperation and working with Zimbabwe to safeguard regional peace, security and common development.”
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Zhou Ding said Beijing remained committed to deepening cooperation across strategic areas.
“China and Zimbabwe enjoy an all-weather friendship built on mutual trust, mutual respect and shared aspirations for development. Defence cooperation is an important pillar of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. As we celebrate the 99th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army, China stands ready to work with Zimbabwe to further deepen practical cooperation, strengthen strategic coordination and jointly contribute to regional peace, security and prosperity.”
The commemoration also reflected on the historical ties forged during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and the continued collaboration between the two countries in defence, infrastructure development, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
