Online Reporter
Nduduzo Tshuma in Beijing, China
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa on Thursday morning emphasised on the the importance of history as he paid tribute to China’s role in the Second World War.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People here, the President also welcomed the elevation of ties between Harare and Beijing.
“May I begin by thanking you for the invitation for Zimbabwe, and me personally, to be part of the historic 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War,” President Mnangagwa said.
He congratulated President Xi and the Chinese nation for “a spectacular military parade which we witnessed yesterday, it was out of this world.”
“The successful event was a grand display of military might, precision and patriotism. We welcome and fully concur with your call for nations to never forget history and tragedies of war as well as the importance of upholding the principle of indivisible security for all,” President Mnangagwa said.
He added that the commemorations would “go a long way to promote the correct historical narrative of China’s great contribution to the Second World War. The spirit and resilience of the Chinese people and their ironclad strength will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.”
Turning to bilateral relations, President Mnangagwa highlighted that this year marks 45 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Zimbabwe and China.
“These excellent relations have stood the test of time and continue to grow from strength to strength. Our friendship and partnership have matured. Zimbabwe, therefore, welcomes the deepening and elevation of our relations to an All-Weather Zimbabwe–China Community with a Shared Future,” he said.
The President stressed that Harare was ready to embrace this new characterisation of ties with Beijing.
“We look forward to recalibrating our excellent relations under this characterisation in pursuit of joint development and win–win cooperation,” he said.
