adminHarare Bureau
The president of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping and Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, have commended President Mugabe on his astute leadership and leading Africa’s fight for self determination.The two leaders said this in separate congratulatory messages to President Mugabe during the 28th anniversary of the 21st February Movement that also coincided with his 90th birthday celebrations at Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera yesterday.
“I want to extend my warm congratulations to you. You are one of Africa’s leaders of older generations, you have firmly safeguarded the sovereignty of your country and ensured self dependence and self improvement,” President Xi said in the statement delivered by China’s ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Lin Lin.
“You have made extraordinary contributions to the life of Zimbabwe and Africa. You have firmly safeguarded Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and you are a dear old friend of the Chinese people. China has always been a trustworthy friend and brother and will firmly support the national development of Zimbabwe.”
In his message delivered by Russia’s ambassador to Zimbabwe Sergey Bakharev, President Putin said Mugabe enjoyed great respect the world over and that Putin had wished him many more years of success and good health.
“Please, accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of Your 90th Birthday. I wish you good health, happiness, well-being and every success in Your activities.
“You enjoy a well-deserved respect as one of the leaders of the African national liberation movement. Your name is inseparably linked to gaining independence and establishing statehood by the Republic of Zimbabwe.
“We highly appreciate your efforts aimed at developing friendly relations between Russia and Zimbabwe. I am confident that they will continue to strengthen for the benefit of our peoples, in the interests of ensuring peace, security and progress in the African Continent,” President Putin said in the statement.
President Mugabe thanked the two leaders for their messages and continued support for Zimbabwe.
“I want to begin by thanking the two embassies of China and Russia for the messages they have conveyed to me respectively from their leaders, the first one from China from the new president Xi Jinping who already I said would want to invite me to visit China, I thank you for the best wishes and for assuring me that the friendship between China and Zimbabwe will be sustained for all times that is the two countries will continue working together as good friends.
“The same message has come from President Putin. These are the two countries that gave us training and gave us the arms that we used on two fronts, China on the Mozambican front the Soviet Union mainly Russia on the Western front, Matebeleland,” he said.
Apart from the solidarity messages of the two leaders, youths from various countries on the continent also attended the celebrations. The youths came from Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique and Liberia.
The celebrations were attended by over 40 000 people from various parts of the country with musicians Jah Prayzah, Sandra Ndebele and the Police Band providing entertainment.
The President and the First Lady were greeted to a thunderous applause when they arrived mid-morning with the crowd chanting his totem, Gushungo.
Proceedings were then led by a prayer by Father Fidelis Mukonori before he later anointed the President with oil as per Roman Catholic tradition.
Zanu-PF Secretary for Youths Cde Absalom Sikhosana commended President Mugabe for his visionary leadership and remaining resolute in Zimbabwe’s quest for self-determination.
“You have remained resolute in the face of many adversities and provided exemplary leadership to us all. As we celebrate today, we would want to thank you Your Excellency for continuing to guide us,” he said.
After delivering his speech the President and the First Family then cut the cake. He also received various gifts from Zanu-PF structures across all the country’s provinces that include cattle, sheep among other gifts.
Online Reporter