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Kudakwashe Mugari Deputy News Editor
RUSSIA has pledged unwavering support to Zimbabwe’s quest to reform and rebuild its economy, saying Moscow is empathetic to Harare’s situation after going through similar experiences of development struggles and economic challenges. Russian Federation Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Sergey V. Bakharev said this yesterday in the capital during an event to mark the Russian National Day.
The Russian National Day is one of the youngest national holidays of the Russian Federation, which has been celebrated annually on June 12, since 1992.
Ambassador Bakharev acknowledged that the process of nation rebuilding and reforms was very hard and required perseverance, adding that history had repeatedly shown that the Russian people due to their utmost moral fortitude, stamina and determination successfully passed through all ordeals and trials
‘‘We know judging by our own experience that the process of nation-building and reforms is very hard and demanding. We do understand what it is to face development struggles and economic challenges and that is why we empathise with our Zimbabwean friends and support them in their eagerness to bring their country back on track,” he said.
Ambassador Bakharev said as Russia marked this important day on its calendar, it also cherished its all-weather friendship with Zimbabwe.
‘‘Our political dialogue is excellent and makes a solid basis for further development of our multifaceted ties, first of all economic cooperation. Zimbabwe is our true friend and reliable partner, and we have high hopes for the future of this country,’’ he said
In January 2019 President Mnangagwa met Russian President Vladimir Putin discussing matters pertaining to promoting bilateral relations and current international and regional issues.
The countries signed agreements on extradition and mutual protection of intellectual activity, intellectual property protection in the course of bilateral military-technical cooperation, as well as cooperation in the sphere of countering the legalisation of criminally obtained proceeds (money laundering) and the financing of terrorism, development of the Darwendale platinum group metals project and the supply of fertilisers to African markets.
Ambassador Bakharev reiterated the importance of keeping the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, that is characterised by similarities between the two countries, saying they should remain solid and intact.
“Zimbabwe has constantly endorsed our endeavour to promote pragmatic foreign policy free of controversial ideological premises. This similarity of approaches and outlooks creates a perfect ground for the fruitful bilateral interaction between our countries.
“One of the most important instruments of interaction is the Russian Zimbabwean Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. Its third session is going to be held this August in Moscow,” he said
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dr Sibusiso Moyo, who was the guest of honour at the occasion yesterday, said Zimbabwe and Russia shared a history that is rich in both political and economic cooperation and Harare was proud to have Moscow as its friend in socio-economic and political issues.
‘‘The Government of the Russian Federation has, over the years, taken various actions and steps, to defend and uphold the principles and values enshrined in its Constitution as well as the UN Charter.
“Some of these actions have received unwelcomed attention from certain elements, attention that has seen the economy of the Russian Federation strained, but not crippled.
“The Government and people of your great country have remained resilient under Western-imposed sanctions, and for this we as a people congratulate you, for your unwavering stance against a world dominated by those who deem themselves to be masters of all.’’
“Zimbabwe, like Russia, has suffered under similarly imposed sanctions, and because of this common ground, we stand firmly in support of our dear friends.
“We unequivocally denounce such actions that are bent on spearheading the selfish will of a few, to the detriment of the many. It is our belief that through continuous dialogue and engagement with all nations of the world, a world of piece and reduced poverty and conflict in all its forms can be achieved,’’ Dr Moyo added
‘‘Our Russian friends will never be forgotten for the veto that they so bravely exercised in our favour, in a session of the United Nations Security Council in 2008. For this we are eternally grateful,’’ he said.
Russia is set to open new geopolitical avenues when it hosts the first Russia-Africa Summit in October.
Online Reporter