Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent

RUSSIAN top envoy to Zimbabwe Ambassador Nikolai Krasilnikov has paid a courtesy call on President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House, with discussions focusing on deepening relations in various sectors, including health.

Emerging from the closed-door meeting this Monday, Ambassador Krasilnikov said Zimbabwe and Russia continue to expand relations based on mutual friendship and trust built over the years.

“I paid a courtesy call to the President to confirm the commitment of my country to enhancing fruitful relations with my country. This cooperation is based on the deep-rooted relations of friendship and mutual trust and has received a significant impact during the meeting between President Mnangagwa and President Putin,” he said.

With Zimbabwe facing a cholera outbreak, Ambassador Krasilnikov said health specialists from Russia are working with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to fight the disease.

“Right now we have a delegation of Russian experts in epidemiology who are engaging with their partners in the Ministry of Health and Child Care. We hope that collaboration will help in fighting cholera,” said Ambassador Krasilnikov.

Ambassador Krasilnikov also revealed that work is in progress for a Russian news agency to set up its base in Harare.