Mugabe receives new envoys

President Robert Mugabe received credentials from four new ambassadors who will represent their countries in Zimbabwe.

The ambassadors are from Egypt, Japan, Canada and Angola.

The new Egyptian Ambassador, Mr Bassem Khalil comes to Zimbabwe at a time when Egypt is in turmoil following the Arab spring which swept through North Africa from the beginning of the year, leading to the resignation of former president Hosni Mubaraki after 18 days of public protests.

Mr Mubarak has been hauled before the courts in the resort town of Sharm-el-Sheikh on a hospital bed on allegations of killing over 800 protesters.

The new Egyptian ambassador expressed optimism that the turmoil will soon be over and pledged to work towards deepening Zimbabwe-Egypt bilateral ties.

Mr Khalil holds a Bachelor of Political Science Degree from the American University in Cairo.

Also to present his credentials to President Mugabe was Mr Yonezo Fukuda, the new Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe.

Japan has provided resources for various projects that include US$14,1 million for the construction of the new Chirundu Bridge, US$7,3 million for the development of the Nyakomba Irrigation Scheme in Nyanga and US$1,5 million for the improvement of the Chitungwiza sewage system, among others.

The new Canadian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ms Lisa Staudelbauer also presented her letters of credence.

Canada supports the European Union's sanctions against Zimbabwe that discourage companies in those countries from trading with Zimbabwe.

Last to present his credentials was the new Angolan Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Pedro Hendrick Vaal Neto.