Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWE hopes that the momentum it has achieved in bilateral and economic relations with China will continue to advance common interests in a mutually beneficial manner, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira has said.
The two countries are marking the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, emphasising the enduring friendship and co-operation that have deepened over the decades.
Both countries expressed their commitment to further enhancing their relationship.
“As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we wish to express our satisfaction with the excellent and long-standing bond of friendship that exists between our two countries and peoples,” said Prof Murwira.
He said it was his sincere hope that the momentum achieved over the years, in bilateral and economic relations, will continue to advance the two countries’ common interests in a mutually rewarding manner.
“This milestone is not just a testament to our enduring friendship and partnership, but also a reminder of the mutual respect, understanding and shared values that continue to cement the ties between our two nations,” Prof Murwira said.
He said the elevation of the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation, in 2018, marked a high point in all aspects of the relationship, which saw an upward trajectory of trade and investment and ever-growing government-to-government and party-to-party interactions.
“Your Excellency and Dear Brother, Zimbabwe is committed to further deepening the China-Zimbabwe Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation, through the ‘five-star ironclad’ cooperation framework recently announced by His Excellency President Xi Jinping.
“We look forward to continued cooperation on multilateral issues of common interest, as we strive to attain global peace, progress, prosperity and sustainable development, to achieve a shared future for all mankind,” said Prof Murwira.
Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the traditional friendship that has weathered various global changes.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen further under the recently announced ‘five-star ironclad’ cooperation framework, aimed at addressing multilateral issues and promoting global peace and sustainable development.
“China and Zimbabwe enjoy a profound traditional friendship, which has stood the test of time and remained rock-solid amid the changing international landscape,” said Minister Wang.
“Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 45 years ago, our two countries have always treated each other as equals with sincerity and friendship, and stayed committed to mutual benefit and common development”.
In recent years, he said, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Mnangagwa, China and Zimbabwe have continuously deepened political mutual trust and achieved notable results in practical cooperation, delivering tangible benefits to our two peoples.
“I stand ready to work with you to take the 45th anniversary of our diplomatic ties as an opportunity to intensify exchanges and cooperation between our two foreign ministries, and implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation,” said Minister Wang.
“The important consensus between our two presidents, and firm up mutual support, with a view to further enhancing the China-Zimbabwe comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation and jointly building a high-level China-Zimbabwe community with a shared future.”
