Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure and Rutendo Nyeve
A high-level Qatari delegation, led by Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Jabor Bin Jassim Al Thani, will meet President Mnangagwa at State House today, marking a significant milestone in advancing diplomatic, economic, and strategic cooperation between Harare and Qatar.
The Sheikh, is a distinguished member of the ruling family of the State of Qatar.
His delegation which arrived in the country last week, comprises of 19 senior officials, executives and technical advisors.
The high-level visit comes as the Government is implementing comprehensive reforms to optimise business operations, safeguard investor interests, and improve the business environment, making it attractive for investors and entrepreneurs to operate.
The visit aims to formalise partnerships and initiate key bilateral investment agreements across priority national sectors.
Key outcomes are expected to include the execution of high-level bilateral agreements, the strengthening of public-private investment frameworks, and a commitment to long-term economic transformation.
The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, confirmed that the visit is an indication of cordial relationships between the two countries.
“I would like to say that this visit is an indication of all the good relationships between the two Governments. The Government of Zimbabwe, as well as our President Mnangagwa, and the Government of Qatar. On Monday (today) the delegation will meet President Mnangagwa at State House to strengthen Zimbabwe-Qatar public-private investment frameworks.
“The discussions that we had and the interest that they have in investing in our country, and in the tourism sector, and coming to our tourism capital, Victoria Falls also indicates that they have so much interest in putting their money in our country’s tourism infrastructure. We we are glad to have them,” she said.
The high-powered delegation, which is on an official visit to explore and strengthen bilateral ties, went on a tour of the Victoria Falls — one of the Seven Wonders of the World with Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi.
The visit served to affirm Victoria Falls as a prime destination of choice for global leaders and high-net-worth investors.
Minister Rwodzi highlighted that the visit by the royal family represents deepening ties and is a precursor to substantial foreign direct investment into the country’s tourism sector.
“I would like to say that this visit is an indication of all the good relations between the two governments — the Government of Zimbabwe, as well as our President Mnangagwa, and the government of Qatar,” she said.
Minister Rwodzi highlighted the immense value of having a member of a royal family experience Zimbabwe firsthand, describing it as the ultimate endorsement of the country’s safety and appeal.
“If the head of State, or if anyone from the royal family is visiting a destination, it means the destination is safe, the destination is peaceful, the destination is worth visiting,” she added.
“So, we shall see. We are anticipating or expecting a lot of people from Qatar coming into Zimbabwe, and vice versa . . . We want to see a reciprocal relationship in terms of tourism between the two countries.”
The delegation was impressed by the thunderous roar and towering spray of the falls.
Ambassador Mahomed Jassat, the director of public relations and chief adviser to His Royal Highness Sheikh Mansour, spoke highly of the country’s potential.
“This is definitely the best country in the world, and it is not because I am Zimbabwean but the Sheikh shares the same sentiment. So, we are in a wonderful place,” said Amb Jassat.
“We need to thank our President for allowing and for hosting us, for allowing and sending the Minister of Tourism to see us. It is truly an honour to be in Zimbabwe. If anyone has travelled all over the world, they now need to come to Zimbabwe . . . Zimbabwe is the best place in the world. We will be meeting with President Mnangagwa on Monday (today) to further strengthen our strategic partnerships and investments.”
Mansour Holdings chairperson and adviser to His Royal Highness Sheikh Mansour, Mr Nidal Ammache, emphasised his personal connection with Zimbabwe.
“Actually, it is my fourth time in Zimbabwe and first time in Victoria Falls. It is definitely quite a great experience. We are already in love, and we already really like the place. I am looking forward to more collaboration in the future,” he said.
The visit by Sheikh Mansour and his delegation has cast the spotlight on Zimbabwe’s tourism offerings.
The two nations are expected to explore areas of cooperation in various fields.
