Zimbabwe Strengthens Ties with China During Presidential Visit

by | Sep 11, 2024 | International, Latest | 0 comments

By Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa

Harare – Zimbabwe’s President, His Excellency Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, concluded a successful state visit to China, highlighted by strengthened bilateral relations and key agreements across multiple sectors.

Dr. Jenfan Muswere, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, addressed the media, stating, “Cabinet received and noted a report on His Excellency the President’s recent State Visit to China and attendance of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC) held in Beijing.”

Dr. Muswere outlined the key engagements of the President’s visit, which took place from August 28th to September 7th, 2024. These included:

State Visit (August 28th – September 3rd): President Mnangagwa met with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, at the invitation of the Chinese government. The visit focused on deepening collaboration in areas such as investment, trade, infrastructure, resource extraction, renewable energy, and the digital economy.

Bilateral Meetings: President Mnangagwa held meetings with President Xi Jinping, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and engaged with Chinese investors.

Visit to Nanjing Army Command College: The President revisited his alma mater and met with Jiangsu Communist Party Secretary, Zin Changxing.

FOCAC Summit (September 4th – 6th): President Mnangagwa attended and addressed the FOCAC Summit, emphasizing the importance of nurturing China-Africa relations. He also participated in a high-level meeting on State Government, advocating an independent development path for Africa and the Global South.

Business Engagement: The President promoted Zimbabwe’s business opportunities at the 8th Conference of Chinese and African Entrepreneurs.

Dr. Muswere highlighted the signing of 17 legal instruments of cooperation, including 14 Memoranda of Understanding and three Letters of Exchange, signifying the strengthening partnership between the two nations.

Key outcomes of the FOCAC Summit, as noted by Dr. Muswere, included:

Joint Declaration: A commitment to building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.
Synergistic Cooperation: Fostering collaboration aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative, the African Union Agenda 2063, and the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Cultural Dialogue: A strategic framework for deepening dialogue between cultures and civilizations.
Beijing Action Plan 2025-2027: Adoption of a plan outlining 10 partnership actions.
Dr. Muswere concluded by stating that the visit signifies a positive step in solidifying the relationship between Zimbabwe and China.