Online Reporter
Nduduzo Tshuma in Beijing, China
THE Communist Party of China (CPC) on Thursday evening (local time) hosted President Mnangagwa and his delegation to a welcome banquet, reflecting the deep ties between the two states and their ruling parties, Zanu-PF and the CPC.
Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, Mr Li Xi, hosted the Zimbabwean delegation on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
In his welcome remarks, Mr Li thanked President Mnangagwa for attending Wednesday’s 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
“President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to your visit and made time to meet with you this morning, during which you reached an important common understanding,” said Mr Li.
He was making reference to a bilateral meeting between President Mnangagwa and President Xi earlier in the day, when the two leaders agreed to elevate state relations from the Five-Star Iron-Clad Friendship to the All-Weather Zimbabwe-China Community with a Shared Future.
Mr Li noted that the commemoration of China’s Victory Day holds global significance, as it not only honours the past and fallen heroes but also cherishes peace and envisions a better future.
In his response, President Mnangagwa hailed the excellent relations between the two sister parties, dating back to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
“We appreciate the support given by the CPC to the Chitepo School of Ideology and the training programmes extended to Zanu-PF cadres,” said the President.
“We look forward to more exchange programmes, particularly in strengthening party discipline, building leaders and structures for strong and stable governance, while also meeting the people’s aspirations.”
