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Mukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
VICE PRESIDENT Dr Constantino Chiwenga yesterday signed the book of condolences for the late former Indonesian Vice President Hamzah Haz at the Indonesian Embassy in Harare, describing relations between the two countries as historical.
Mr Haz died on July 24, at the age of 84.
He served as the ninth Vice President of Indonesia from 2001 to 2004 during President Megawati Sukarno putri’s administration.
Vice President Chiwenga said cooperation between Zimbabwe and Indonesia was unparalleled as
evidenced by high level visits.
“The Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of Zimbabwe are both members of South-South Cooperation and it was in Indonesia where the Bandung Conference and its final resolution laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement,” said VP Chiwenga.
“From that time, we were just liberation movements, our co-operation with Indonesia has evolved from that day to today.
“Our co-operation with Indonesia is unparalleled and we continuously have high level visits from Indonesia and vice-versa, cooperating in various areas like health, agriculture, manufacturing, our co-operation is increasing. As you might be aware I was in Indonesia two years ago and we have had high level visits from Indonesia coming to Zimbabwe. So, the co-operation between Zimbabwe and Indonesia is very high.”
As Vice President, the late Mr Haz is credited with playing a key role in economic policies aimed at stabilising Indonesia afer the Asian Financial Crisis.
He also helped in the implementation of numerous social welfare programmes that reduced poverty and enhanced public health services and played a critical role in strengthening the United Development Party (PPP) and increasing its infuence in Indonesian politics
Online Reporter