Online Reporter
Fungi Kwaramba in BREST, Belarus
ZIMBABWE will actively seek and solidify partnerships with countries committed to supporting its unwavering drive for economic prosperity, President Mnangagwa declared.
On the second day of his four-day State Visit to Belarus, the President yesterday visited the city of Brest, where he toured a thriving dairy enterprise and laid a wreath at the historic Brest Hero Fortress.
“I am very glad to be here today and to visit this historic place. I have read about it in history books, but for me, it is a great honour and privilege to visit it in person,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the monument, which earned the title of “Hero Fortress”, for the courage shown by Soviet soldiers in resisting the German army in 1941, symbolises Belarus’ proud history of resistance and bravery.
He noted that his visit to Belarus was a reciprocal gesture to his counterpart, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, and an opportunity to deepen bilateral co-operation.
“Zimbabwe is a developing country. We believe that developed nations willing to co-operate with us and support our development journey are welcome partners.
“Belarus is one such country. Above that, President Lukashenko and I are personal friends, so I am here. It is a beautiful country. Who wouldn’t want to visit a place where everything is beautiful? I am no exception — that’s why I am here,” said President Mnangagwa.
Belarus is widely recognised for its cleanliness and well-maintained public spaces. Its manicured lawns and litter-free streets reflect a strong culture of environmental responsibility, offering a model Zimbabwe can learn from in enhancing urban aesthetics and quality of life.
Reflecting on Africa’s role in the First World War, President Mnangagwa said Africans did not participate voluntarily.
“My dear brother, we did not voluntarily participate in the war,” he said in response to a journalist’s question after touring the Brest Fortress. “The British were involved in the war and used us, their colonial subjects, to fight on their behalf. We were not willing participants.”
Commenting on the Savushkin dairy plant, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe would draw lessons from the enterprise’s success.
“I have been very impressed by the modern methods used in the dairy sector. Zimbabwe is a dairy country in our region. I listened carefully to the technology and methods applied here, and we hope to adopt them back home,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Belarus, Graham Mudzimba, said Belarus had risen from the ashes of war to become a model nation.
“The tractors and agricultural equipment we are importing from Belarus are produced and assembled by public companies. This makes it easier for the Government of Zimbabwe to enter into partnerships, as agreements are honoured. These companies are not driven by profit but by co-operation and mutual benefit. They want to see Zimbabwe reach their level—or even surpass it,” he said.
President Mnangagwa is expected to conclude several agreements during his visit, particularly in the areas of agriculture, technology and tourism.
