New Parliament Building officially handed over to Zimbabwe
Story by Josephine Mugiyo
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says various flagship projects being carried out with the aid of the Chinese government indicate the deep relations that exist between the two countries.
He was speaking at the official handover of the New Parliament Building in Mount Hampden this Thursday.
The official handover ceremony of the New Parliament Building, which was built on a grant from the Chinese government took place this Thursday. An envoy from China Mr Tang Wenhong, who is the Vice Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency officially handed over the building to President Mnangagwa. Upon arrival, President Mnangagwa unveiled the plaque and cut the ribbon to signify the official opening of the building.
A visit to China by President Mnangagwa in 2018 saw him meeting his counterpart President Xi Jinping where the Asian giant promised to support four national projects including the magnificent New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
“It is my pleasure to address you at the handover of this iconic, majestic and magnificent parliament of Zimbabwe,” he said.
President Mnangagwa highlighted that the relations between the two countries go as far back as 1961 when Zimbabwe was at war with the colonial government.
He added, “Relations between China and Zimbabwe date back around 1961/62 when we were fighting for our independence and the People’s Republic of China agreed to train us. As you may recall it was during my state visit to China in 2018 that His Excellency President Xi Jinping made a political decision to support four key projects in our country. These were through a concessionary loan facility for the construction of Hwange Units 7 and 8 as well as the modernization and upgrading of the RGMI airport and a grant for the construction of this new parliament building.”
The President added that the handing over of the building is momentous as it coincides with the ZANU PF Conference which starts this Friday in Gweru.
“It’s timely as it comes before the conference. The conference comes after a resounding victory in elections that were free and fair. The fact that the Chinese Envoy was the first to call me after the elections speaks volumes,” said the President.
Commending the increasing diplomatic and economic engagement between China and Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa noted how China has developed using its resources and manpower, adding that Zimbabwe is on the same trajectory.
“Our country has seen many more Chinese companies investing in various sectors of the economy. The emergence of quality export products from Zimbabwe, particularly citrus, entering the Chinese market is a welcome development. We have noted your country has developed based on its resources and people. We are proud as Zimbabwe to have developed our development philosophy,” he reiterated.
