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“We discussed with His Excellency many aspects of co-operation between our countries and ways to develop trade. We confirmed our commitment (to Zimbabwe) as seen by the signing of the investment promotion and protection agreements,” he said.
Zimbabwe and Russia signed the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement on enhancing trade and investment between the two countries.
The BIPPA was signed on Sunday.
The Russian delegation also met Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu where they discussed opportunities in the mining sector. Minister Mpofu thanked the Russian government for the support it has rendered to Zimbabwe over the years.
“We welcome you and your business delegation to Zimbabwe and if your executives identify areas of interest, we will engage them and facilitate everything they might require.
“You have been supportive to us and stood by us over the years. Zimbabwe has potential and opportunities in various areas, we have unlimited opportunities in mining, energy, agriculture and tourism,” he said.
Minister Mpofu said Zimbabwe had withstood the illegal sanctions imposed by Western countries. “We have been subjected to very destructive media. The Western media has been hostile to us because we wanted to use our resources for our people.
“We are a resolute country and with the assistance of friends like you we have managed to overcome those sanctions and as you have seen we are a functioning country,” he said.
Russia and China vetoed attempts by the US and its Western allies to use the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on the country in 2008. The Russian minister said his country considered Zimbabwe as a friend and strategic partner in Africa.
“Today we had a fruitful discussion with our colleagues. We have been told of the rules and procedures which the Russian companies should follow in Zimbabwe.
“We already have some Russian companies involved in Zimbabwe in mining but this (visit) is the first step in the realisation of what could be done by big Russian companies.”
The delegation included executives from Russian energy giant Gazprom and Renova Group of Companies, a diversified company with interests in cross-cutting sectors. The Russian delegation, which was in Zimbabwe since Saturday, flew out of the country last night.
Online Reporter