Russia hails Zim

Herald Reporter
Russian President Mr Vladimir Putin has sent a congratulatory message to President Mugabe on the occasion of Zimbabwe’s 35th Independence anniversary.

Zimbabweans celebrated the country’s independence from the British on Saturday across the country’s 10 provinces.

The main celebrations were held at the National Sports Stadium in Harare where President Mugabe gave a keynote address.

“Please accept my sincere congratulations on the 35th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Zimbabwe,” said President Putin.

“I am confident that the friendly relations between Russia and Zimbabwe will further actively develop for the benefit of our peoples, in the interests of consolidating stability and security in the African continent.

“I wish you good health and every success, as well as happiness and prosperity to all your compatriots.”

Zimbabwe and Russia enjoy cordial relations dating back to the days of the liberation struggle when Moscow supported nationalists who were fighting Ian Smith’s Rhodesian Front.

After independence, the two countries continued to cultivate good relations and are now working on strengthening economic co-operation.