Online Reporter
President Mnangagwa is today expected to hold bilateral talks with the visiting president of the Cuban National Assembly, Honourable Esteban Lazo Hernandez, who arrived in the country last night.
The talks are aimed at deepening long-existing cooperation between Harare and Havana, which dates back to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
The president of the National Assembly of People’s Power and the Council of State of Cuba will tour the Fidel Castro
Road and Monument in central Harare and lay a wreath at the monument before heading to the African Liberation Museum.
There will also be a commemoration of bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Cuba.
Honourable Hernandez was on Sunday welcomed at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mutenda, and the Parliament Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs and InternationalTrade, which is chaired by Cde Webster Shamu.
Diplomatic bond strengthened for economic collaboration
Zimbabwe and Cuba should boost economic ties that benefit the two sister countries, president of the Cuban
National Assembly, Honourable Esteban Lazo Hernandez has said.
Honourable Hernandez said this after holding bilateral talks with President Mnangagwa at State House today.
He said there is need for the two countries to solidify their long-standing relations, which date to the liberation struggle.
“We are convinced that we must take our economic relations to the same level as that of our political ties,” he said.
“We have agreed on issues that will mutually benefit our two sister countries.”
Zimbabwe, Cuba celebrate 45 years of excellence
Zimbabwe and Cuba celebrated 45 years of diplomatic ties yesterday at Heritage Village in Liberation City, reaffirming their commitment to solidarity and shared values.
Cuban National Assembly president Esteban Lazo Hernandez led the delegation, while Hero of the Republic of Cuba Fernando Gonzalez emphasised Cuba’s unwavering support for Zimbabwe.
“Our people walked together in the fight against colonialism, and today they march together in creating opportunities through mutual solidarity,” he said.
He also praised Cuba’s contributions to Zimbabwe’s healthcare and education sectors, highlighting their medical brigades and the training of over 3 000 Zimbabwean teachers.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Deputy Minister Sheillah Chikomo acknowledged Cuba’s role in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and its continued support post-independence.
“These relations were forged when we were comrades in arms during our liberation struggle,” she said.
The Deputy Minister said the ongoing collaborations in biotechnology and pharmaceutical production are key and called for stronger trade relations.
Deputy Minister Chikomo thanked Cuba for donating military artefacts to the Museum of African Liberation and noted Zimbabwe’s tribute to Fidel Castro by naming a Harare street in his honour.
Marking 45 years of friendship, Zimbabwe and Cuba pledged to deepen cooperation and stand united in international forums against external pressures.
Both nations condemned Western sanctions, with Cuba denouncing its re-listing as a US sponsor of terrorism.
Delegation meets Speaker Mudenda, tours new Parliament building
The Cuban delegation, led by Cuban National Assembly president Honourable Esteban Lazo Hernandez, has met the
Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda at the new Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
The delegation also toured the new Parliament Building and was impressed by its facilities.
The team had been in the country since Sunday and left the country this afternoon.
