Online Reporter
Fungi Kwaramba in BREST, Belarus
ZIMBABWE will continue to befriend and fraternise with countries that are willing to be partners in its unstoppable march towards economic prosperity, President Mnangagwa has said.
On his second day in Belarus on a four-day State Visit, the President yesterday visited the city of Brest, where he toured a thriving dairy company and also laid a wreath at the historical Brest Hero Fortress.
“I am very glad to be here today (yesterday) and to visit this historical place. I have read about it in history books. But for me, it is a great honour and privilege to visit this place in person,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the monument, which earned the title of Hero Fortress for the courage demonstrated by Soviet soldiers when they fought against the German army in 1941, represents the history of Belarus’ past, its historic resistance and embodies bravery.
The President said he is in Belarus on a reciprocal visit to a brother, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, adding that he will be using the visit to strengthen ties and seek new areas of cooperation.
“Zimbabwe is a developing country. And we believe that those developed countries who are willing to cooperate with us and hold our hand as we develop, we will continue to fraternise with them. Belarus is one of such countries.
“Above that, I and the President of Belarus are personal friends, so I am here,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa tours the Savushkin Dairy Product Company in Brest Region while accompanied by Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Mr Viktor Mikhailovich Karankevich yesterday. – Pictures: Presidential Photographer Tawanda Mudimu.
“It is a beautiful country. Who doesn’t want to go where things are beautiful? I am no exception. That’s why I am here”.
Belarus is indeed known for its cleanliness and well-maintained public spaces.
The manicured lawns and litter-free streets reflect a strong sense of environmental responsibility among its citizens. This commitment to cleanliness contributes to the overall aesthetic and quality of life in the country, showcasing how community efforts can lead to a more pleasant environment, something that Zimbabwe can draw a leaf from.
Reflecting on the role that was played by Africans during the First World War, President Mnangagwa said Africans did not join the war voluntarily.
“My dear brother, we did not voluntarily participate in the war,” the President said responding to a question from journalists after touring the Brest Fortress.
“The British were interested in the war, so they used us, their colonial subjects, to fight for them. We were not willing, but we were used by the British.”
Asked about the Savushikin Diary plant, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe will take lessons from such a thriving enterprise.
The President tours the Memorial Complex, “Brest Fortress”, while accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Mr Viktor Mikhailovich Karankevichin in Brest Region, Belarus, yesterday.
“I have been very impressed by the modern methods they use in the dairy sector. Zimbabwe in our region is a dairy country. I listened very carefully to the technology and the methods they use here and we are hoping to take them home,” he said.
In an interview, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Belarus Graham Mudzimba said although Belarus was reduced to ashes 80 years ago, it has risen above the dust and is now a model country.
“The tractors which we are importing from here, the agricultural equipment, they are being produced, they are being assembled by public companies. This is why it is also easier for us as the Government of Zimbabwe to go into partnership with them, because whatever you agree, you know that is what will happen. They are not here to make a profit,” he said.
“They are there to ensure that we cooperate and have a win-win situation. They want to see Zimbabwe at a level where they are, if not even higher.”
President Mnangagwa is expected to conclude several deals in the Eastern European nation during his tour of duty, specifically in areas of agriculture, technology and tourism.
