Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa met his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping in Beijing this Tuesday, with the two leaders agreeing on the need to deepen existing relations between Zimbabwe and China.
Upon arrival at the Great Hall, national anthems were played, after which President Mnangagwa inspected a guard of honour.
The two leaders proceeded to a meeting where President Xi noted how Zimbabwe – China relations continue to strengthen for mutual benefit.
“In recent years our mutual trust has continued to deepen, and cooperation between our two countries has yielded more results. We need to support the founding aspirations of this relationship and firmly support each other and build a high-level China, Zimbabwe relationship,” said President Xi.
President Mnangagwa noted how the two nations have been working together on several fronts, since his last visit in 2018, thereby bolstering relations.
“Since my last visit to China, in 2018 relations between China and Zimbabwe have grown from strength to strength.”
The two leaders also witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MOUs) to facilitate further cooperation in various sectors, including mining, legal matters, agriculture and the media.
President Mnangagwa went on to meet Chinese Premier, Mr Li Xiang, where the need to explore more areas of cooperation for mutual benefit took centre stage.
“We have a profound tradition of friendship despite the long distance that separates our two countries. China will work with Zimbabwe to ensure more tangible benefits,” said Premier Li.
President Mnangagwa highlighted some of the tangible projects that have materialised from relations with China, including the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and the New Parliament Building.
“Through the technical and financial support of China, Zimbabwe has completed signature projects that have far-reaching consequences for the country. These include the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Hwange units 7 and 8 as well as the new parliament building,” he said.
President Mnangagwa will join fellow heads of state from the African continent at the Forum on China-Africa cooperation (FOCAC) which will be held over the next two days.
