Russia eyes more Zim investments

Joseph Madzimure Senior Reporter
RUSSIA is committed to exploring more investment opportunities across the country’s economy, outgoing Russian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Sergey Bakharev said.

Speaking soon after bidding farewell to President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House on Friday last week, Mr Sergey said Moscow was committed to strengthen political and economic ties with Harare.

“We are going to explore more investment opportunities across the country’s economic spectrum. We are going to cement our economic ties, be it in agriculture, mining, tourism, education, health and any other sector,” he said.

Russia, he said, was committed to strengthening economic relations that exist between the two countries.

“You know our Heads of State and Government President Mnangagwa and Vladimir Putin enjoy cordial relations. I really enjoyed the six years I spent in Zimbabwe. Zimbabweans are a friendly people,” he said.

Russia is developing a new $4 billion platinum-group metals mine on a prospect held by Great Dyke Investment in Mashonaland West

In a related development, President Mnangagwa received credentials from Ethiopian Ambassador,Addisu Gebreigzabhier and Musa Blal Daddah of the Saharawi Republic.

The incoming Ambassador Gebreigzabhier said Ethiopia was committed to strengthening bilateral relations that existed between the two countries.

“The two countries enjoy cordial relations which back date during the liberation struggle. We are now committed to strengthening economic ties to improve the livelihoods of the people. Now we want to focus on economic relations. We have to increase bilateral trade especially in areas with investment opportunities.

“We also talked about the past. Ethiopia supported the liberation struggle. We talked about how we can increase our cooperation in business,” he said.

Ambassador Blal Daddah said he discussed a number of issues with President Mnangagwa.

“You know Saharawi Republic is the only colonised country in Africa. I was updating President Mnangagwa on the current developments taking place in Saharawi.

“I also gave him a message from his brother, Saharawian President Brahim Ghali, on some developments taking place in Saharawi Republic,” he said.

He hailed the Government of Zimbabwe for its support to ensure the country get total independence from Morocco.