Online Reporter
Nduduzo Tshuma in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
ZIMBABWE is a sovereign nation and is free to engage with any country in the world on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit, President Mnangagwa has said.
Speaking during a plenary session at the World Governments Summit (WGS), facilitated by journalist Tucker Carlson, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe conducts its international relations guided by what delivers the best outcomes for the country and its resources.
The plenary session, titled “Is the Next Decade African?”, also featured Botswana President Duma Boko and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio.
“Well, my view is that initially, when we attained independence, much of our development thrust came from the West. However, as we evolved, we have also benefited from investment and cooperation from China,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Zimbabwe is a sovereign state, and we operate on the basis of what gives the best results for our resources. Whether it is relations with the West or the East, what is primarily important is what we, as Zimbabweans, are satisfied with. We do not need to please the West or the East; we please ourselves.”
He said relations between nations are shaped by historical contexts and evolve over time.
“Relations depend on the historical background between one country and another. That is the basis on which relations grow and are nurtured.
“For us in Zimbabwe, yes, we are a former British colony, but we are very happy with the relations that have developed with countries such as China and others, despite our colonial history.”
