adminyesterday, are being held against the background of economic sanctions imposed on the two countries by the United States and its European allies.
Speaking at the official opening of the joint commission, Minister Mumbengegwi emphasised the need to strengthen co-operation between the two countries’ economic sectors in order to stave off the western onslaught against the people of both nations.
“Zimbabwe and Iran share a common and long history as our two countries were born out of revolutionary struggles. Today, our countries continue to follow similar paths as we are engaged in bitter struggles to defend our sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right to exploit our natural resources in order to develop our economies for the benefit of our people.
“Zimbabwe will never surrender the sovereign right to be master of her destiny and to exercise full control over her natural resources.
‘‘Zimbabwe supports and will continue to support Iran’s right to fully exploit her natural resources and her technological expertise for the benefit of her people as provided for under international law,” he said.
He castigated some western countries for unilaterally imposing punitive measures to cripple Zimbabwe and Iran’s economies.
“We condemn such sinister and imperial practices which blatantly violate international law and undermine the conduct of normal international relations.”
His Iranian counterpart and co-chair of the joint commission session, Dr Mohammad Taghi Hosseini who is the Iranian Minister of Co-operatives, Labour and Social
Welfare, pledged the Iranian government’s full support to Iranian companies seeking to do business in Zimbabwe.
He urged the two governments to remove the hurdles that exist and hinder the private sectors in both countries from fully exploiting the business opportunities that exist.
“We need to create a conducive environment for our private sectors to do business. We see no limits and stand ready to make available all possible opportunities that will bring progress and prosperity for all our people.”
The seventh joint commission session is a follow-up to the last meeting held in 2010 in Harare, Zimbabwe that was attended by both President Mugabe and his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The meetings, which are expected to end today with the signing of various agreements in agriculture, manufacturing, media, education, cultural exchange, investment promotion and protection and air services are being attended by senior government officials, directors, chief executive officers and others from various companies and parastatals.
Online Reporter