Gibson Nyikadzino
Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZIMBABWE and China will continue to nurture their tried-and-tested bonds of friendship which, for over four decades, have been anchored on the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect and enduring South-South solidarity, Acting Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Frederick Shava has said.
Dr Shava, who is also the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, made the remarks yesterday during celebrations marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
He said the elevation of the two countries’ ties from a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation to a Zimbabwe-China All-Weather Community with a Shared Future, following President Mnangagwa’s visit to China last September, highlights Zimbabwe’s principled foreign policy pragmatism.
“Forty-six years after the establishment of diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and China, our friendship has been tried, tested and proven resilient.
“We celebrate not only China’s historic achievements, but also a partnership anchored in sovereign equality, mutual respect and enduring South-South solidarity,” said Dr Shava.
Zimbabwe’s bilateral relations with the People’s Republic of China are operationalised through five strategic pillars that mirror Zimbabwe’s foreign policy framework and advance the integrity, dignity and prosperity of its people.
Under its “Open for Business” policy, Zimbabwe has leveraged economic diplomacy to attract investment, drive local production and build industrial resilience, with Chinese investments playing a transformative role in the economy.
Dr Shava also highlighted that the first priority of Zimbabwe’s foreign policy is promoting a peaceful, fair and secure international order as a prerequisite for global development.
He further thanked China for supporting Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and for its unwavering calls for the immediate and unconditional removal of illegal sanctions imposed on the country.
“Zimbabwe stands shoulder to shoulder with China in defending multilateralism and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
“We are also deeply appreciative of China’s unwavering calls for the immediate and unconditional removal of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe,” added Dr Shava.
In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said his country would stand firmly with Zimbabwe in its pursuit of industrialisation and modernisation under President Mnangagwa as it forges ahead with Vision 2030.
“As Zimbabwe forges ahead with its Vision 2030 under President Mnangagwa’s inspiring mantra, ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’, Zimbabwe does not walk this journey alone.
“China stands firmly with Zimbabwe in its pursuit of industrialisation and modernisation. As a time-honoured Shona proverb wisely puts it, ‘Rume rimwe harikombi churu’ (it takes two to tango), China will remain Zimbabwe’s most reliable and steadfast partner, today, tomorrow and always,” said Ambassador Zhou.
He said that, going forward, under Zimbabwe’s Open for Business policy, Chinese investment would continue to boost local industrial capacity and value addition.
The event was attended by Zanu PF Politburo members, senior Government officials, traditional chiefs and members of the diplomatic corps.
Source: Zim-China friendship tried, tested, resilient – herald
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