Online Reporter
Nduduzo Tshuma in BEIJING, China
ZANU PF and the Communist Party of China enjoy excellent relations, as the two organisations, whose historical bonds have stood the test of time, continue to closely collaborate towards the upliftment of their countries and people, President Mnangagwa said yesterday.
Speaking at a banquet hosted for him and his Zimbabwean delegation by the CPC, President Mnangagwa particularly appreciated the support given to the Chitepo School of Ideology by the Chinese ruling party.
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 President and his delegation on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Earlier in the day, President Mnangagwa and President Xi held a bilateral meeting where 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.
The development is expected to boost the already flourishing trade relations with China.
“Our two political parties, Zanu-PF and the CPC, enjoy excellent relations. We appreciate the support given by the CPC to the Chitepo School of Ideology and the training programmes extended to Zanu-PF cadres,” said President Mnangagwa.
“We look forward to more exchange programmes, particularly in strengthening party discipline, building leaders and structures towards strong and stable governance, while also meeting the people’s aspirations.”
President Mnangagwa expressed his gratitude to President Xi for inviting him to attend the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the parade for which was held at Tiananmen Square on Wednesday.
“I want to acknowledge the excellent bilateral relations that exist between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the People’s Republic of China, which have stood the test of time.
“It is opportune that the commemorations of 45 years of diplomatic ties between our two countries have seen the elevation of relations to an All-Weather Zimbabwe-China Community with a Shared Future,” said the President.
“This great milestone testifies to our enduring friendship and partnership, which we are committed to further consolidate and strengthen, based on shared values and benefits and rooted in the principles of solidarity, equality and mutual respect.”
In his welcome remarks, Mr Li said President Xi attached great importance to President Mnangagwa’s visit and attendance at the celebrations of China’s 80th Victory Day.
“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,” he said.
Mr Li noted that the commemorations hold global significance, as they not only honour the past and fallen heroes but also cherish peace and envision a better future.
On Wednesday, while addressing staff at the Zimbabwean embassy, President Mnangagwa said China remains Zimbabwe’s foremost ally, stressing that relations between the two nations, rooted in solidarity dating back to the country’s liberation struggle, must be preserved and strengthened.
The President recalled his first visit to China when he led the first group of Zanla fighters for military training at the Nanjing Army Command College in Jiangsu in 1964. During his visit here last year, the President returned to the college as he reflected on Zimbabwe’s long and painful journey to self-determination.
“I am saying this just to show that our relationship with the People’s Republic of China is quite historical. They supported our liberation struggle, and we were the first trained cadres from Southern Rhodesia at the time. China is on the list of those countries we regard as our close friends,” said President Mnangagwa.
