Online Reporter
Kuda Bwititi in MOSCOW and Wallace Ruzvidzo in Harare
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa left Harare last night and is set to arrive in Moscow today to attend the annual Victory Day celebrations, a major Russian holiday commemorating the country’s victory in World War II.
During the visit, President Mnangagwa is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The President will also hold side-line meetings with other leaders and dignitaries.
The Victory Day event, marked by grand military parades and cultural displays, will be attended by a number of world leaders, whilst also reinforcing diplomatic ties between Russia and Zimbabwe.
This year’s celebrations are expected to draw over 20 Heads of State and government officials from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and former Soviet states. Key attendees include China’s President Xi Jinping.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (Egypt) are also expected to attend.
Other leaders who have confirmed their attendance include Heads of State from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Cuba, and several African nations, highlighting Russia’s continued global influence and geopolitical alliances.
Some senior Government officials from various ministries are already in Russia ahead of President Mnangagwa’s arrival.
Victoria Day, celebrated on May 9 in Russia, honours the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in 1945.
The day is marked by the iconic Victory Parade in Moscow’s Red Square, featuring military processions, historic re-enactments, and the keynote address by President Putin. The event holds deep historical and patriotic significance, symbolising resilience and national pride.
Speaking just before departing with the President at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport last night, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira said Zimbabwe and the Russian Federation have excellent relations, hence President Mnangagwa is one of the leaders invited by President Putin to witness the parade.
“So, this on its own is very significant in terms of, one, I say the observance of world peace and security, but number two, in terms of enhancing Zimbabwe’s international relations, being a friend to all and an enemy to none, and looking at the globe in the eyes of Zimbabwe, not in borrowed eyes,” he said.
Prof Murwira added that President Mnangagwa’s attendance also reflects Zimbabwe’s stance as a champion of world peace.
“Therefore, in line with the dictates of the Constitution, His Excellency the President will be attending the commemoration of the end of World War II, Victory Day, in the Russian Federation in observance of peace and the need for peace, the need to turn weapons into ploughshares”.
The President was seen off by Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet ministers, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, service chiefs and other senior Government officials.
President Mnangagwa’s visit underscores Zimbabwe’s strong ties with Russia, particularly in health, mining and agricultural co-operation. The two nations have recently deepened economic partnerships, with Russian firms investing in several sectors.
Among the major investors is the world’s largest diamond mining company, Alrosa, which is in a joint venture with the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company to mine the precious stones.
Most recently, Russia provided Zimbabwe with air ambulances that are offering emergency medical services and saving lives.
It is anticipated that President Mnangagwa’s presence at the Victory Day celebrations will pave the way for further strengthening of relations between Zimbabwe and Russia.
