Online Reporter
Fungi Kwaramba in MINSK, Belarus
President Mnangagwa arrived in Belarus yesterday on a four-day state visit that seeks to consolidate already excellent diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.
The President was received at the Misnk International Airport by Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Karenkevich Viktor Milkhallovich and Foreign Affairs Minister Ryzhenkov Maxim Vladimiroch.
Zimbabwe’s ambassador to the east European country Graham Ignatius Mudzimba, along with several Zimbabwean ministers, was also at the airport to receive President Mnangagwa.
As a demonstration of the deepening economic and political ties between the two countries, the President was received at the airport by a clutch of singing Zimbabwean students who are studying here.
Interacting with the students, the President implored them to be disciplined, focused and hoist the Zimbabwean flag higher as worthwhile ambassadors.
Speaking to journalists following the arrival of the President, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira said the President is creating an environment for Zimbabwe to thrive through increased economic co-operation and collaboration with all willing partners.
“President Mnangagwa is paying a four-day state visit to the Republic of Belarus. Zimbabwe and the Republic of Belarus have excellent relations. As you know, we are involved in many fields, mainly in the technology and science fields and education field. We have several agreements that range above 50.
“As you know, we have now recognised each other’s qualifications and mutual recognition of qualifications. So that area is done. At the same time, we are having a lot of co-operation in the agricultural area.
“You have seen the silos that we made in Zimbabwe, as well as the tractors and agricultural engineering, this is a very important area. We are also working with Belarus in the medical and engineering areas,” said Prof Murwira.
He said that because Zimbabwe and Belarus are aligned both politically and economically, it is important to grow the economic part because “ukama igasva”.
“Because if we don’t grow the economic part of our relationship, we won’t be able to grow the business part of our relationship.
So, His Excellency’s doctrine that Zimbabwe is open for business is actually being implemented. We build our country through mutually beneficial relationships.
“One of the main pillars of our foreign policy is to build an international environment in which Zimbabwe can thrive. So this is part of that effort. So, foreign policy is to make sure that Zimbabwe fosters an international environment in which we can thrive,” said Prof Murwira.
He added that the President is fulfilling the country’s constitution, which in Chapter 2 sets about the national objectives, that includes building a democratic, independent, prosperous society where people are happy and have fulfilling lives.
“Then, if that is the objective, we have to have the method of making that happen. This is how we make it happen. And this is enabling it. So, we are very pleased to be here. His Excellency is pleased to be here. He was in the Russian Federation, and now he’s in Belarus. Doing the same thing. Creating an international environment in which Zimbabwe can thrive. So, we are looking forward to this four-day state visit.
And we are sure that it will get results. And results are what we are looking for. Both for Belarus and for Zimbabwe,” said Prof Murwira.
On his part, Ambassador Mudzimba said Zimbabwe has so much to learn from Belarus, especially as the country has been able to develop economically even under baneful sanctions.
“The Belarusians have managed to ward off this whole issue of restrictions and sanctions, and we seem to see the economy is booming. Certainly, the economy is booming. These people have worked hard to be where they are today, considering that they went through a very bitter war.
Just recently, you know, they’ve just celebrated their victory day, which means they’ve gone through a lot of suffering. This country was destroyed almost to ashes, but they’ve built the country from what it was to where it is today. The economy is functioning because 95 percent of the economy is in the hands of the public, the people themselves.
Only five percent is what they call the private sector. These are parastatals, you know. These are parastatals which are making profit,” he said.
He added that the tractors and agriculture implements that Zimbabwe is importing from here are being produced by public companies.
“This is why it is also easier for us as the Government of Zimbabwe to go into partnership with them, because whatever you agree, you know that is what will happen.”
The President is expected to have a string of meetings today as he lures investors to Zimbabwe.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka, Information, Publicity and Braodcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, Minister of Tourism Barbra Rwodzi, Minister of State Security Lovemore Matutu, Minister of Women Affairs Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Finance Prof Mthuli Ncube and top Government officials are part of the President’s entourage.
