Zim-Russia in inter-Govt meeting

Tinashe Farawo
Feasibility studies for the multi-billion dollar Darwendale Platinum Group Metals Deposit would be completed in July paving way for the design and construction of the first stage facilities of the mining and metallurgical complex, a cabinet minister has said. Speaking at the official opening of the second session of the Zimbabwe-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission yesterday, Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Simbarashe Mumbengegwi said the Darwendale project has become a beacon of success under the bilateral cooperation between Russia and Zimbabwe.

“Zimbabwe has consolidated the diamond mining sector by creating a single State-owned company. We are very conscious of and sensitive to your interests in this sector. We are also aware of your distinct specialities in this sector, which specialities we will engage at the appropriate time,” he said.

Minister Mumbengegwi said Zimbabwe was happy with the support extended to the country by the Russian Federation in human capital development, mining and other areas of economy. He said the cooperation between the two countries offers vast opportunities for mutual benefits.

“These include joint research projects in cropping, supporting Zimbabwe’s irrigation and mechanization programmes, promoting trade in agricultural products among others,” said Minister Mumbengegwi.

“I wish to reiterate Zimbabwe’s profound gratitude for the unwavering support that the Russian Federation has extended to us over the years. Let me at this point reiterate Zimbabwe’s appreciation for that act of support and solidarity when Russia, in 2008 cast its veto in the United Nations Security Council to save Zimbabwe from Chapter 7 sanctions which would have ensured the destruction of our country,” he said.

Speaking at the same function, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade, Denis Manturov said Zimbabwe was an important partner on the African continent.

He castigated the imposition of sanctions of Zimbabwe describing them as unfair.

“It is unfair to put sanctions on a sovereign country and we believe they must be lifted,” he said through an interpreter

The Russian minister said it was important for the two countries to be united to increase trade and cooperation.

The session was attended by Agriculture Minister, Dr Joseph Made, Mines and Mining Development, Walter Chidhakwa among other senior Government officials.