China-Zim relations stood test of time: Jinping

Harare Bureau
CHINA’S President Xi Jinping has congratulated President Robert Mugabe and Zimbabwe on the country’s 34th independence anniversary on April 18.This follows similar messages from Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko and Russia’s President Vladmir Putin.

“On the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Zimbabwe, on behalf of the government of the People’s Republic of China and in my own name, I wish to extend to  Your Excellency, your government and people our warmest congratulation,” said President Xi in a statement.

He hailed developmental programmes the government undertook since Zanu-PF’s landslide July 31, 2013, election victory.

“Since taking office, the new government has made commendable achievements in economic and social development as well as the improvement of people’s livelihood.

“Under the leadership of your Excellency and the Zanu-PF (government), your whole nation is working hard on the implementation of Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation,” said President Xi.

On the two countries’ ties, he said: “Ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations 34 years ago, China and Zimbabwe have firmly supported and worked closely with each other.

“Our bilateral cooperation is increasingly yielding fruitful results and our traditional friendship has stood the test of time and has become stronger than ever.

“I wish to work hand in hand with your Excellency to further promote our existing friendly cooperation and bring more benefit to our two peoples,” he said.