Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira in LUANDA, Angola
ZIMBABWE and Angola are set to cooperate in agriculture, with Luanda expected to benefit from Harare’s agricultural model, which has seen the country achieve self-sufficiency in crops such as wheat.
Already, some of Zimbabwe’s agricultural extension officers are working in Angola, helping to transform the country’s developing agricultural sector.
In an interview with Zimbabwean journalists here yesterday, President Mnangagwa, who was in Angola for the country’s 50th independence anniversary, said talks will ensue soon between the two countries on how Zimbabwe can assist Angola’s agriculture sector in a mutually beneficial way.
He said the two countries have to fully utilise the cordial relations they enjoy that date back to the days of the liberation struggle, where Angola helped ZIPRA freedom fighters to establish bases to execute the war that saw Zimbabwe attain its independence in 1980.
“Already we have very excellent economic relations with Angola. Yes, of course, the question of distance is there, but Angola has resources like oil and so on, and they are well developed, so we can benefit from what they have,” said President Mnangagwa.
“And as you are aware, Zimbabwe is an agricultural country and they also want to develop their agricultural sector. We will discuss these issues, so I believe that we can cooperate in that sector.”
He commended Angola for steering development for the good of its citizens.
President Mnangagwa said the 50 years of Angola’s journey since independence were a milestone worth celebrating.
“Well, just the 50 years of independence is an achievement. And some of you, 50 years ago, I doubt if you were there. And this is the journey Angola has travelled. I have been here from the beginning, during the time it became independent. And the difference is just that of night and day. They have developed this country. We are so proud of the leadership of this country. They have done so well,” he said.
Angola, added President Mnangagwa, is playing a great role in regional integration.
“They are contributing a lot to the development and integration of the SADC region. Angola is playing a very significant role in the SADC region. So we are very pleased. This is why we are here,” he said.
The President said Zimbabwe and Angola have enjoyed cordial relations from the time of the liberation struggle.
“Not only now, from the time of independence, there have been excellent relations between Zimbabwe and Angola,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said he equally enjoyed warm relations with his Angolan counterpart, President João Lourenço, from the time they were still Cabinet ministers superintending the Ministries of National Security of their respective countries in the early 80s.
“I remember when we became independent, in 1980, when I was Minister of National Security. I came here. I was well received. And my colleague, who is now the President, we were in the same position at the same time, so we still talk about the past,” said President Mnangagwa.
The President arrived at Four De Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda yesterday morning and was taken to Republican Square, the venue of the celebrations.
He, together with fellow Heads of States and Government, joined the host leader, President Lourenco, in laying wreaths in honour of Angolan fallen heroes.
Thereafter, President Lourenco delivered his keynote address, where he commended world leaders for showing solidarity with Angola by attending its 50th independence anniversary.
The event was characterised by military and cultural displays.
It was, however, the military displays showcasing the country’s ground force, air force and marine hardware that attracted the crowd.
This year’s commemoration saw Angola conferring the Class of Honour to some Heads of State and Government and former leaders for their decisive role in its liberation from colonialism.
Several leaders from Africa and beyond attended yesterday’s event.
They include Tanzanian leader, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Namibian President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa, Equatorial Guinea President Theodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Congo Brazzaville President Denis Sassou N’Guesso, Sahrawi leader President Brahim Ghali, among others.
President Mnangagwa was accompanied by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, and Deputy Chief Secretary in the OPC responsible for Presidential Communications, Mr George Charamba.
Upon his return home, President Mnangagwa was seen off at Four De Fevereiro International airport by the country’s Ambassador to Angola Dr Thando Madzvamuse, officials from the Zimbabwean embassy, as well as senior officials from the Angolan Government.
Zimbabwe and Angola are both members of SADC and the African Union, with Angola chairing the continental body.
In an interview upon arrival at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare last night, President Mnangagwa said Angola is moving confidently into the future as a sovereign State.
“The displays they (Angolan military) showcased indicate that the country is marching forward.
“They have modernised the army and so on. (You) admire the level of equipment they now have as a sovereign, independent African country,” he said.
Asked about how the independence celebrations had gone, the President said: “It was very fantastic, well attended by several Heads of State and I think it went very, very well.
“And one can see that they are so happy, well attended (by the citizens) and I think they have progressed, seeing what they have achieved.”
President Mnangagwa was welcomed by Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet ministers, service chiefs and other senior Government officials.
