adminAmbassador to Zimbabwe, Xin Shunkang, said “positive, bilateral ties” with Zimbabwe were part of China’s larger foreign policy aim of “peaceful development.”
“China is ready to work with Zimbabwe to further enhance political mutual trust, expand mutually-beneficial co-operation and steadily elevate our friendship and co-operation,” he said.
“Stronger co-operation not only serves Chinese and Zimbabwean interests, but also contributes to world peace and prosperity.
“Recently, the Chinese government published a white paper entitled ‘China’s Peaceful Development.’ This document reaffirms to the world commitments made by the Chinese government in terms of its contribution to international relations.”
Ambassador Xin said Zimbabwe had much to learn from China’s seven-pronged Peaceful Development Policy, consisting of the following elements: Peaceful global development, scientific development, self-reliance, greater openness to the international community, development for peace, development through cooperation and common development.
“Zimbabwe faces a situation at the present moment that is similar to what China underwent in the 1980s when the country critically needed foreign direct investment” he saiid.
“It is, however, important that the country solves its basic problems on its own, although foreign support remains vital.
“China mainly relies on its own hard work and on reform and innovation to promote economic and social development.”
Ambassador Xin said international perspectives on Zimbabwe’s image were fast improving.
“Zimbabwe’s win to co-host the 2013 United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General
Assembly with Zambia is an endorsement of the country as a tourism destination of choice in the region. It will also change the country a great deal because of the high level of delegates that are expected to attend.
“The recent certification of the Marange diamonds is also a major positive development for the country on the international stage.”
China has approved Zimbabwe as a prime destination for Chinese tourists, and Ambassador Xin estimated that in China, the Victoria Falls had a potential market of at least three million tourists.
The ambassador also hinted that a delegation from the Development Bank of China would be visiting the country in two weeks’ time to explore co-operation opportunities with the Zimbabwean Government.
The visit by the Development Bank of China follows a current visit by a delegation from the Export-Import Bank of China. China’s economic relations with Zimbabwe are enshrined in the more encompassing Forum on China-Africa Co-operation, established in 2000, which recognises the need to promote Sino-Africa economic relations.
High-powered political delegations are also expected in the country this month. Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China vice-chairman Mr Zhou Tienong, the CPC Central Committee Politburo member Liu Yunshan, and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference member and former deputy foreign minister of China Mr Liu Guchang are expected to visit.
Vice governor of Anhui Province is also expected to visit.
Ambassador Xin said this month would be his “busiest” since he came into office, but was also testimony to the booming relations between the two countries.
Online Reporter