dyton mupawaenda
Herald Correspondent
THE Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe is collaborating with the police to provide Chinese language training for police officers.
This will allow them to communicate more effectively with their Chinese counterparts, and will also provide an opportunity for them to attend workshops and seminars in China.
Speaking during the handover ceremony of anti-narcotics laboratory equipment worth more than US$100 000 recently, Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Zhou Ding said his country stands ever ready to collaborate with Zimbabwe.
“Our embassy is also happy to co-organise Chinese language training programme with ZRP to improve the language skills of our police officers here, and invite some of the police officers to attend seminars or workshops in China to interact with their Chinese counterparts”.
Ambassador Ding also expressed his satisfaction with the presence of a police desk that specifically addresses matters related to Chinese nationals.
“I am glad to know that there is a China Desk in ZRP that specifically deals with crimes involving Chinese citizens, and coordinates law enforcement cooperation between our two countries in combating cross-border crimes which have achieved fruitful results.
“I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to ZRP for safeguarding the safety, lawful rights and interests of the Chinese citizens and the Chinese enterprises in Zimbabwe,” Ambassador Ding said.
This programme will also enable the ZRP to assist Chinese tourists and investors in case of any emergencies.
Going forward, Ambassador Ding said, China will continue to implement more development cooperation projects with Zimbabwe to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
“Dear friends, China is committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind, with a goal to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity”.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe weighed in saying Government is working on a programme to teach immigration officers Chinese, to facilitate communication and deepen mutual understanding between the two countries.
“When his Excellency the Ambassador of China paid a courtesy call, we discussed the possibility of training immigration officers to facilitate easier interactions with Chinese nationals.
“With the increasing number of Chinese visitors, it is important that our officials are equipped to provide assistance and communication in a smooth and efficient manner,” Minister Kazembe said.
Through thick and thin China and other key allies have been essential in supporting Zimbabwe’s democratic and economic development.
China’s presence as seen through mutually beneficial partnerships in the mining, engineering, manufacturing and electrical power generation sectors amongst others, speaks to the height and depth of the bond between Harare and Beijing.
Ends
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter