Story by ZBC Reporter
WORLD leaders have extended solidarity messages to President Emmerson Mnangagwa as Zimbabwe celebrated its 45th Independence anniversary on Friday, pledging continued support and the strengthening of diplomatic ties.
The President of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, conveyed a message of goodwill to President Mnangagwa, commending Zimbabwe’s resilience and progress.
“Demonstrating unwavering courage and patriotism in their selfless struggle against colonial rule, the people of Zimbabwe have secured their freedom and ushered in a new era in the history of their nation, which today stands as one of the most progressive countries in Africa. Under your wise leadership, the Republic of Zimbabwe is steadily advancing its economy, purposefully raising the standard and quality of life for its people, effectively addressing issues of regional security and global order, and actively expanding its foreign relations,” President Lukashenko said.
He further extended an invitation to President Mnangagwa to visit Belarus in May, noting the deepening cooperation between Minsk and Harare in political and humanitarian spheres, as well as the implementation of joint projects.
“I look forward to further enhancing the momentum of our intergovernmental relations. It brings me great pleasure to highlight the positive role of Belarusian–Zimbabwean friendship in the socio-economic development of your beautiful country. I would be delighted to welcome you to the hospitable land of Belarus this May and to discuss in detail the promising avenues of collaboration across various sectors,” he added.
On behalf of the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined other international leaders in congratulating the people of Zimbabwe as they commemorated Independence Day.
“The United States recognises the spirit and strength of the Zimbabwean people on this commemoration of your fight for freedom. We look forward to reinforcing our business and commercial ties, supported by our countries’ democratic institutions. Through the rule of law and respect for our fundamental freedoms, we can create better opportunities for our peoples to prosper,” said Mr Rubio.
The President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, also conveyed his congratulations to President Mnangagwa.
“I hope that Harare and Rome may further improve dialogue and collaboration in all sectors of common interest, both at a bilateral level and under the European Union framework,” he said.
A number of countries were represented by their top envoys at the main Independence Day celebrations held in Gokwe Nembudziya including Zambia, Tanzania, Palestine, Turkey, Russia, Serbia, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Netherlands, Rwanda and Namibia, among others.
