Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Senior Reporter
OUTGOING Russian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Nikolai Krasilnikov, yesterday paid a courtesy call on the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, at her Zimbabwe House offices, marking the end of his fruitful six-and-a-half-year diplomatic mission in the country.
Ambassador Krasilnikov expressed profound gratitude to Dr Mnangagwa for the unwavering support she rendered to the Russian Embassy during his tenure, commending her role in strengthening people-to-people relations between Harare and Moscow.
The Ambassador also commended the First Lady for teaching him about Zimbabwean culture and the country’s ways of communicating.
Ambassador Krasilnikov said the warm and cordial relations his office enjoyed with the First Lady, whom he respectfully referred to as “Amai,” greatly contributed to closer engagement between the peoples of Zimbabwe and Russia, for mutual benefit.
The First Lady warmly welcomed Ambassador Krasilnikov and wished him well in his new endeavour, saying his tenure brought a strengthened relationship between Zimbabwe and Russia and that cordial relations, which have existed since time immemorial, should continue.
Dr Mnangagwa also reminisced about the November 2024 visit by children from the Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home, formerly Chambuta, in Chiredzi, who travelled to St Petersburg, Russia, for a cultural exchange programme and sports festival.
The former street children took part in the BRICS Plus International Sports, Arts and Culture Festival, where they emerged victorious in a football tournament and gained valuable international exposure, an initiative that reflects the First Lady’s continued commitment to the welfare and empowerment of vulnerable children.
“The background of these children from Chiredzi remember, these are children I picked from the streets, so for Russia to accept that type of children means a lot to me and to the people of this country.
“Because once you hear the background of the person who was invited to your country, you think of so many things, but you received them. It touched my heart. When they came back, they were very happy,” she said.
The First Lady also thanked Russia for always extending a helping hand to Zimbabwe in times of need, singling out the recent donation of tonnes of rice, saying it will help boost food security in the country.
Dr Mnangagwa also took time to convey her warm regards to the Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matviyenko, on the occasion of her birthday, describing her as a hardworking, courageous and industrious woman.
“She has shown us that women should be strong and lead by example and when you are given the opportunity to hold office, you have to execute it and that’s what I have seen in Madame Matviyenko.
“To people, to women, who see other characters and how they do their work, it inspires courage, determination, hard work, and the courage to stand up for other women,” she said.
Speaking after his meeting with the First Lady, Ambassador Krasilnikov said the cordial working relationship his office shared with her helped promote meaningful interaction and cooperation between the citizens of Zimbabwe and Russia.
“I expressed my profound gratitude to dear Amai for the trust she had in me, for the support that she provided me and my embassy during my mission in Zimbabwe.
“It enabled Russian diplomats and me here to develop political dialogue, to enhance trade and economic cooperation, partnership in various spheres, and, most importantly, the bonds of people-to-people solidarity and friendship,” he said.
Ambassador Krasilnikov also emphasised the great contribution the First Lady made in developing Russia–Zimbabwe cordial relations.
“The bonds of friendship she has established with Honourable Valentina Matviyenko, Chairperson of the Russian Senate, are very remarkable, including her participation in various international forums in Russia.
I really appreciate the impact that Amai has made on the people-to-people partnership between Russia and Zimbabwe.
“I am absolutely confident that this strong foundation that Her Excellency has strengthened for the benefit of our brotherly nations will continue to serve as a solid platform for my successor to come to Zimbabwe and continue the development of friendly relations between our peoples,” he said.
Ambassador Krasilnikov also highlighted the participation of children from the Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home in the BRICS Plus International Sports, Arts and Culture Festival held in 2024, where the youngsters won a trophy after an outstanding performance in a football tournament. The Ambassador said the opportunity not only showcased the children’s talent but also exposed them to international platforms, allowing them to broaden their horizons and appreciate different cultures.
